USC football has been a popular topic the last couple days, and on Thursday we officially learned that the Trojans were denied their appeal by the NCAA. While the university has already expressed their displeasure with the decision, the Trojans will miss out on postseason play (along with the Pac-12 title game) in 2011 and will also deal with severe scholarship cuts over the next three seasons.

These lingering NCAA issues haven’t stopped USC from putting together one of the most impressive recruiting classes in the country, and barring injuries they could have one of the most talented offenses in the Pac-12.

Head coach Lane Kiffin pulled up a chair with 3 Guys in a Garage/Sports Radio 810 WHB to talk about the NCAA’s appeal denial and what that means for the program going forward. On top of this, he touched on the tradition surrounding Southern Cal and how he finally landed at his “dream school,” updated us on the vast amount of injuries the team has endured this season, shared his thoughts on the differences between coaching college and NFL ball, and much more.

Thanks again to coach Kiffin for coming on. Interview below.

The NCAA has denied USC’s appeal for lesser sanctions, meaning the Trojans will not be able to participate in a bowl game (or Pac-12 Championship game) this year.

Outside of no postseason, the Trojans will lose 30 scholarships over the next three seasons and all current senior players will be able to transfer from the school and play elsewhere immediately.

USC has yet to make an official comment of the status of their appeal, although they are expected to do so on Thursday. In the meantime, we’ve obtained some EXCLUSIVE shots of immediate reactions around the league.

It’s Marketing 101.

Your head coach’s awkwardly protected visor doesn’t sell tickets, your stud QB does. This is the long ticket sale journey that USC has taken this offseason.

“The Briefcase” was their first attempt, which showcased Lane Kiffin’s half-hat delivery on game day. I’m not sure their head coach throwing on a visor gained much ticket buzz, but 17,000+ views later the comment section below the video is about what you’d expect.

USC’s latest marketing video titled “Water Cooler Talk” certainly fits the ticket sale mold a little more appropriately. ENTER: Young, talented QB Matt Barkley and “old guys” Pat Haden, USC’s AD, and associate AD, J.K. McKay. Guess who wins this session on camera? PWNED, y’all.

(h/t LA Times)