Reversing a schedule change announced earlier this month, USC has moved its 2008 home contest against the Oregon Ducks back to its original date of November 22nd. The game had been shifted to October 4th (currently a Trojan bye week), but that date would pose a conflict with UCLA should both the Trojans and the Bruins be playing their games at the Rose Bowl next season. USC is expected to move the game back to October 4th if they agree to a new lease with the Coliseum for 2008.

Lease negotiations between the school and the Coliseum Commission actually appear to be moving forward at this point. USC has issued an official counterproposal to the commission’s latest offer, and the university’s new terms appear to offer significant concessions, including giving up their demand for a master lease agreement (which would have given USC control over day-to-day operations of the stadium). Under the latest counterproposal, the Coliseum Commission would pay for and set firm deadlines for specified improvements to the stadium, with the improvements all or partially funded by a naming-rights deal. Under such a plan, there would be a total of $50 million in improvements (or half of what USC originally offered to make) over the next four years. The commission has called a special meeting for Wednesday to discuss the new counterproposal.

USC-Oregon back to Nov. 22 — for now (LA Times)
USC gives some ground on Coliseum (LA Times)
USC, Coliseum still haggling (OC Register)
USC makes counter offer to Coliseum (Daily News)
You Want Improvements? (Scott Wolf)