USC in the Windy City

Hello everyone, Lori here. Today is, Wednesday, October 14th, and I am flying out to Chicago, Illinois. I will be spending the week with my family enjoying everything that this amazing city has to offer. We will also be attending the USC vs. Notre Dame game on Saturday; which is sort of the main reason for this trip. I come from a family of sports fans; I have spent most of my life attending Dodgers games, but also as a USC football fan and season ticket holder. During the late August through December months my family spends almost every Saturday together tailgating, travelling, and cheering on the Trojans. For me, the games are just an excuse to hang out with my "Fall Family" which includes my immediate family members, Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and good friends. Over the many years of tailgating our little group has become quite close; together we have seen some triumphant victories, spectacular physical feats, explored amazing cities, and experienced disappointing losses. We have also witnessed several coaches try to bring a National Championship back to Los Angeles.

Not so surprisingly, it was announced earlier this week the USC's head coach Steve Sarkisian was released from his position and that Clay Helton, USC’s offensive coordinator, would take over in the interim. Helton will lead the Trojans against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana for Saturday's match up. As a fan, every game matters. But this particular game, against one of our longest standing rivals, will have a considerable amount of eyes watching and judging. The new coach along with the team will be under the microscope. USC loves to win, who doesn't? It is crucial for the program to win in South Bend otherwise the potential for a descent Bowl game is out the door. A victory would also help restore confidence to both the players and fans. South Bend, Indiana is a very long way to travel in order to lose, which hopefully will not happen. I have a feeling that USC will be able to triumph on Saturday.

USC's football program has seen a lot of changes and experienced several ups and downs in the last few years. I have a feeling that a new head coach, with a fresh perspective can only bring good things to USC's football program. And if for some reason we cannot pull off a win, there are plenty of stores along Chicago's Magnificent Mile to help soften the blow and comfort me.