Trojans in the NFL: Divisional Round

The NFL playoffs march on, and fewer Trojans are left as we approach the big game. Here's how USC alumni fared this weekend.

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) had the biggest game of his career, and has now had an impact in three straight games after missing most of his rookie campaign with an injury. His four catches went for 48 yards, with a long of 22. He showed impressive poise with the clock winding down in the first half, taking a serious hit on one play and making sure to find the sideline to save the clock. The Giants slipped past Dallas, 21-17.

Junior Seau (LB - New England) piled up 10 tackles, one for a 2-yard loss, as the Pats cruised by Jacksonville, 31-20.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made seven tackles, two behind the line of scrimmage, but the Seahawks fell to Green Bay, 42-20.

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) made seven tackles in the loss to New England.

Coaches Corner: Former Trojan assistant coach Norv Turner (San Diego) led his surprising Chargers past the Indianapolis Colts, 28-24. With his team headed to New England to face the Patriots for the AFC championship, it doesn't seem very likely that Pete Carroll will be offered the San Diego job. ... Mike Holmgren (Seattle) and Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville), both former USC players, coached in losing efforts this weekend.

Comments

[Gerrrg]

Junior rocks. Lofa is right up there.

[Bill Baldwin, Jr.]

I thought the fine performance in the clutch put on by Steve Smith for the NY Giants was a perfect example of why most players are better off remaining for their senior seasons at a school like USC than opting out after their Junior year.
From what I understand, Smith worked with Pete Carroll to get a fair evaluation by NFL scouts who said he would probably be drafted at some point, but one more year would be of great help. Smith was a rock last year and improved in every department. He will be a rock for the Giants for many years to come I believe, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy from what I hear.

I hear Dwayne Jarrett was a nice guy while he was here, as well. Unfortunately, he's made a not so nice impression on the Carolina Panthers and has been a bust. There's no other way to put it. If Jarrett is serious about being a top pro, then I would hope he spends the summer with Carolina's Steve Smith. Otherwise, it'll be a sad story for a terrific college player who should have stayed for his senior year.

Speaking of being serious about their pro careers...how about Junior Seau and Sammy Knight ? Hey, if Dwayne can convince either one to mentor him in the off season, that would work.

I see where another USC Junior thinks he's ready for the pros....Chilo Rachal. Unless this is a financial thing involving his family, in which case he would have my best wishes and good luck, if Rachal hasn't retained an agent yet, I'd strongly urge him to come back for his Senior year. Rachal was hurt a lot and while a fine player, he's not even the best underclassmen on the line...both Lewis and O'Dowd are further along, so, learn from the season and come back for your Senior year. IF the family needs the money, that's different and good luck.