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Musings with Arledge Solo video edition: Pat Ruel on the record

by: Chris Arledge03/30/23
Pat Ruel
USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel (right) and tackle Kyle Williams (75) during spring football practice at Howard Jones Field on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. on Thursday, April 7, 2005. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

It’s not often you get an insider’s completely open and honest account of some of the biggest events in USC football history.  But Pat Ruel, offensive line coach for Pete Carroll, gives us just that.

We talk about the NCAA enforcement process and penalties.  Pat talks about the unfairness of the process, his interactions with NCAA staff, and how members of the coaching staff felt let down by an administration that was not willing to fight on against unjust charges and a rigged procedure.  He compares what was going on at USC to what was going on at other schools when it comes to NCAA compliance.

Pat also walks us through the last few minutes of the legendary 2005 USC-Notre Dame game.  How did USC get stuck in a 4th and 9?  What was the plan and why the audible?  What did he think of the decision to go for the sneak?  And how did he feel about the execution of the Bush Push sneak?

Pat also goes into detail on the infamous 4th and 2 play against Texas in the Rose Bowl.  Did he agree with the play call?  And what went wrong?

He even gives his thoughts on the decision to pass instead of give the ball to Marshawn Lynch at the end of Super Bowl XLIX.

Pat is a great interview, completely open with his thoughts of these major events. 

He is also one of the most experienced offensive line coaches anywhere, with 37 years coaching the O line in major college football and the NFL.  He has a Super Bowl ring and has coached for some of the biggest coaching legends in history, including Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, and Lou Holtz.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz