By Sourena VasseghiWith Rich Finley
USCRipsIt Guest Bloggers
Sorry I've been out of touch the last few days, the flu bug hit our office and Rich and both have really sick ... almost as sick as USC made Cal look last weekend! Thank you, thank you! Tip your waitress.
First off, all love goes out to Stafon Johnson. Staf, we love you, have missed you at practice and get better soon. Rich and I gave a speech at USC last week, and I have to say, the look in everybody's eyes was awesome. You could just feel last Wednesday that everybody was chomping at the bit to get their hands on Cal, and man they did not disappoint.
And no talking about the Cal game can begin without mentioning that our long, national nightmare is over -- Taylor Watch 2009 was a roaring success. Taylor Mays made good on his season long promise of delivering a big turnover in a huge spot with his opening-drive INT which bailed the Trojans out after a great drive by the Bears. He even went so far as to tell us "It's coming, this weekend, I promise." And make no mistake, that play was HUGE. Matt Barkley, who's a really great guy who we've gotten to talk to a little bit, is looking better and better every week, took advantage of that turnover and USC never looked back.
A big smile crossed my face when Damian Williams returned that punt for a TD too. There has not been a nicer, more pleasant Trojan than Damian Williams ever since he came here. He always runs up to Rich and I, says hello with a big smile on his face and asks how we're doing. It's so easy to root for guys like that. That's what makes the Trojan family so amazing to me. From Coach Carroll on down, everyone has an air of excitement, joy, pride and appreciation for where they are at. We truly are so fortunate.
And while I'm in this love fest ... must be my medication ... I want to send shutouts to my Dodgers -- way to FINALLY get it done boys. You were freaking me out there for a while. And I have to give kudos to Clay Matthews for an amazing play taking the ball away from Adrian Peterson and scoring a big touchdown Monday night. Anyone familiar with the Trojans or has seen them practice knows the importance of coming up with the ball is drilled into their heads everyday, so it came as no surprise watching Clay make that play. Just awesome.
Speaking of which, I felt truly fortunate to be witness to Brett Favre's performance against the Packers on Monday night. Anyone who has ever been told they are too old or whatever, had to get a little jolt watching the old gun slinger flinging the ball around like it was 1995. Just amazing stuff.
More later this week, gotta take medicine.
• Sourena Vasseghi, a motivational speaker and writer, has addressed the USC football team on several occasions over the years. His book, "Love your life and it will love you back," is available here.
