Trojans need a tune-up after off-key performance

Pete Carroll swears it was only a simple tribute, a way to let the USC marching band know he hears them.

But Carroll's choice for his "song of the day" Monday on his many social media network platforms rang curious.

With the Trojans coming off an embarrassing 16-13 upset loss at Washington, Carroll selected the Offspring's "The Kids Aren't Alright."

No symbolism or commentary intended, according to Carroll.

"Our band plays that song," he said, chuckling. "I just thought it would draw some attention."

Not that the Trojans are lacking for any.

Carroll, his coaching staff and his players continued to invite national scrutiny after what has become an almost annual misstep against a previously unranked Pacific 10 Conference opponent.

USC was a three-touchdown favorite against Washington, a team that this month ended a 15-game losing streak that included a 56-0 loss to the Trojans last season.

The defeat, once again, might have ended USC's hopes for a berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

"That's in our head, but it's not what we focus on," senior cornerback Kevin Thomas said.

Instead, Carroll is hoping his team will regroup for a run to an eighth consecutive Pac-10 championship and possibly more.

The Trojans have played in seven consecutive BCS bowl games.

"We've been here before and hopefully we'll be able to turn it as we have in times past," he said. "That's way, way, way easier said than done."

On Monday, the Trojans watched film and attempted to put behind them a game in which they committed three turnovers that killed potential scoring drives.

"It's 'Tell the Truth Monday' so we always get the truth out," senior tight end Anthony McCoy said.

And the truth was?

"We [stunk] that game," McCoy said.

The defeat, like those in previous seasons against Oregon State, UCLA and Stanford, also left more than a sour taste in Carroll's mouth.

"It's pretty miserable," Carroll said of the aftereffects of losing. "I think Bill Parcells said it was something like waking up in the middle of the night with vomit in your mouth.

"He was on the money."

The Trojans began moving forward with a short practice that featured increased focus on special teams and the return of freshman quarterback Matt Barkley.

Barkley, sidelined Saturday because of a bone bruise in his right shoulder, split first-team snaps with Aaron Corp.