2007: Another season in Los Angeles and another season of having a team that underperforms…At least that is how the fans of the Trojans feel after seeing them lose to Stanford and Oregon midway through the year. Despite those setbacks, it could be argued that Southern Cal was playing the best football at the end of the year by outscoring opponents 165-68 in the final five matches.
Strengths: When you’re in a position to rebuild your offense from scratch, it helps to have a defense to lighten the load.
There was no better defense in the Pac 10 last year, surrendering just 15.9 points per game. And seven members of that unit return to stop the opposition in 2008. That type of success starts up front with a unit that allowed 79.2 rushing yards per game. Seniors Fili Moala and Kyle Moore anchor the trenches this season while Everson Griffen and Averell Spicer feel out their roles as starters this season.
Since they know they don’t have to back up the line too much against the run, the linebacking corp is freer to spread out on the field. The beneficiary of this is none other than Rey Maualuga. The sure fire first rounder had six sacks, 10 ½ tackles for loss and an interception for good measure in his junior campaign. Maualuga, along with Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava, provide a challenge for opposing offenses, averaging about six-feet two inches tall and weighing 238 pounds.
Weaknesses: There is no doubt that Pete Carroll knows how to recruit top notch talent for his program. Yet it is hard to think he’ll be able to mesh together four new starters onto the offensive line this season. I will say that this o-line isn’t a bunch of green thumbs as they’ve all played in the past two campaigns. However, they have a combined 26 starts at the FBS level.
Player to Watch: Mark Sanchez was in the running to replace Matt Leinart two years ago as a freshman. Now the junior comes into the season as the No. 1 quarterback. Sanchez has the size (6’3”, 225 lbs.) and mobility to get out of the pocket if needed. And he’s looked good in his six appearances in 2007 by completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 695 yards, but had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7:5.
As if being the No. 1 gunslinger for one of the premier programs in the nation isn’t enough, Sanchez has serious competition should he screw up. That competition is in the form of former starter at Arkansas, Mitch Mustain. The former Mr. Football in Arkansas played well with the Razorbacks considering it was a run-first offense, connecting on 52.3 percent of his throws while throwing 10 scores to nine interceptions.
The reports out of the spring were the Sanchez was firmly ensconced in the starters role, but could be on a short leash.
Returning Starters: (5 on offense, 7 on defense, both specialists)
Schedule: One thing you can say about Pete Carroll is that he isn’t afraid of a challenge when it comes to non-conference scheduling. Starting the year at Virginia is a nice warmup before a major throw down with Ohio State. And let’s not forget about a late season road trip to South Bend to square off with the Fightin’ Irish. Plus, you can’t forget about a tougher than normal run through the Pac 10 that awaits them.
Let Down: September 25 at Oregon State. Just when the Trojans get through with one OSU, they get another one to play. The Beavers don’t instill fear into many opponents, but have been good on defense recently. Yet that’s going to be tough to have this year with just three starters coming back. One thing going for Oregon State is it has played USC closely in Corvallis, going 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS the last two games played at Reser Stadium.
Look Ahead: November 2 versus Washington. The Huskies are still learning under Ty Willingham, but they’ve played progressively better against Southern California. In Willingham’s first year, they were blown out 51-24. Yet the last two games were decided by nine points. Besides, the Trojans will have Cal on their mind during this matchup anyway.
Good Bets:
Aug. 30 at Virginia…Not a big gamble on this one for bettors as Virginia is in a rebuilding phase. And the Trojans have won seven consecutive road games against non-conference BCS programs.
Oct. 11 versus Arizona State…The Sun Devils are another in the long line of teams waiting for a shot in the Pac 10, but still has a way to go. Given that the Trojans have won eight straight over ASU means the odds are long that will change in 2008.
Prediction: There are certain clubs that don’t rebuild, they just reload. Carroll has done just that in Los Angeles. Southern Cal has its toughest matches at home this year while still controlling its own league. The chances of finishing the season unbeaten are excellent and most likely will happen. But the Trojans won’t finish worse than 11-1 this year.
You can reach Judd Hall via e-mail at judd@vegasinsider.com
