USC, New Mexico Football Teams Have Very Different Problems

It's been an odd (and troubling) day out west in college football today. USC has struggled with injuries already this season, and things are only going to get worse after senior running back Stafon Johnson suffered a career ending injury, and New Mexico's 0-4 season has apparently sparked head coach Michael Locksley to attack his receivers coach after a meeting.

USC Running Back suffers tracheal injury

Stafon Johnson, who was second on the Trojans with 32 carries and has scored five touchdowns, is going to miss the rest of the season after dropping a weight on his neck during workouts. Although in stable condition after undergoing surgery, Johnson is almost certainly going to miss the rest of the season with such a serious injury.

Although it's tough to analyze the on-field impact of such a horrendous injury, it's apparent this could spell trouble for USC, who just two weeks ago lost to unranked Washington, and haven't exactly dominated the games they've played so far.

With games against #24 California, Notre Dame, and #16 Oregon being three or their next four games, USC is not only in trouble of being knocked out of the national title hunt, but it seems possible that they could lose another two or three games this season, which would relegate them to a non-BCS bowl game. Although it's tough to count head coach Pete Carroll's team out of the race, the injuries are starting to add up and USC is already relying on a freshman QB (Matt Barkley) to lead the team.

My prediction: USC finishes 9-3, but is able to rebound next year with a healthier team and a more experienced Matt Barkley.

New Mexico head coach attacks receivers coach

The New Mexico Lobos are a team in disarray, and head coach Michael Locksley doesn't seem to be doing a lot to change that. The team is 0-4 to start the season, Locksley is embroiled in a lawsuit with a former assistant, and today news broke that Locksley allegedly "punched" his receivers coach, J.B. Gerald, after their week three loss to Air Force.

It's bad enough when a team starts out winless, but when the coaching meetings start breaking out into fisticuffs, it gives off the impression of complete chaos. New Mexico, coming off a 4-8 season, hired Locksley, who formerly served as offensive coordinator at Illinois, to right the ship and generate some offense. With the Lobos struggling to even at home against New Mexico State, it appears the only offense being generated is in the locker room.

My prediction: New Mexico struggles their way to a 2-10 record (the only wins at Wyoming and at home versus San Diego State) and promptly finds a way to dismiss Locksley in the off season.