They fought boldly for their embattled coach, playing as they should have played all season, with fire and purpose and desperation.
But the “Fight On’’ gesture he gave them as he exited, thrusting his hand into the middle of their catcalls, say yes.
The overwhelming frustration that has enveloped the majority of Trojan nation say no, as evidenced by the banner flying above the Coliseum early Saturday afternoon reading, “Lynn Swann – Please Fire Clay Helton!”
But that fact that, according to Helton, the Trojans athletic director hugged him in the locker room afterward and told him, “Coach, there are better days ahead,’’ would indicate yes.