Skinny - The Trojans are coming off a season where they feel they were the best team in the nation after thrashing Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Although they knew they were going to lose their stellar linebacking core, hopes were initially sky high for this team behind QB Mark Sanchez. Well maybe the Rose Bowl wasn't a complete win as Sanchez's undeniable performance propelled him higher on the draft boards. Following bowl season, Bradford and McCoy both decided to return to school meaning the only top QB on NFL draft boards was Stafford. Sanchez jumped ship and is now in NFL camps. USC on the other hand has to regroup and shuffle out their QB situtation between Corp, Barkley, and Mustain. Can the Trojans rebuild their defense and settle on a qb?
Strength - Taylor Mays
Mays is a special player, no doubt about it. A physical specimen and freakish athlete, Mays will be the definitive leader of the Trojan defense entering the 2009 season. Mays plays like a 4th linebacker and may just be the hardest hitter in the nation (Evidence; he can't even spare his teammate). USC loses its entire LB corps, so the pressure incured by the USC defense probably will not be as high this year and it will be key for Mays to punish the players that get past the new unit. At 230 pounds Mays may not seem to be that fast, but he had the fastest 40 on the Trojan team last year that included Joe McKnight. He easily could have gone pro after last season and would have been a 1st round pick, but by making a decision that I love to see he decided to play one more year of the best sport around. Even if one doesn't like USC, they have to appreciate the special player Mays is.
Weakness - Linebacker experience
USC had four linebackers taken in the draft (Maualuga, Cushing, Matthews, and Maiava). Keep in mind the USC defense was tops in the country last year and the offense was able to spend a lot of time on the field, limiting experience for the second unit. According the Rivals.com, Michael Morgan, Malcolm Smith, and Chris Galippo are currently first team on the depth chart. The trio only recorded 54 tackles between the three last year. The potential and depth is there if they can't handle the big time. Galippo is a former 5 star and is one of 7 4-stars or better in the last 3 recruiting classes according to Scout.com.
Key Game - 10/31/09 @Oregon
Yes, the Ohio State is the marquee game on the schedule, but the Oregon game is the most important. Undefeated teams are rare nowadays in BCS leagues, so an early season loss to Ohio State, while upsetting, would be possible to regain positioning in the MNC hunt. The Oregon game is in the heart of the Pac 10 schedule and is critical to USC winning the Pac 10 and clinching at least a Rose Bowl bid. It will be a difficult task as Autzen Stadium is always a hard place to play, as it is arguably the loudest in the country.
Key Player - Joe McKnight
Its time for McKnight to step up and be the player everyone was touting him to be in high school. Ever since Bush/White, USC has been running the backfield by committee and they need someone to step up and become a feature back. After two years of experience, the opportunity is there for the taking for McKnight. Being a feature back would take the pressure off the new quarterback that will also have to adjust to the loss of Patrick Turner and the transfer of Vidal Hazelton (Damian Williams will help relieve the pain as he is the definite number 1 receiver).
Impact Freshman - Byron Moore
Predicted Pac 10 finish - 1st
Top 5 Players
1. S Taylor Mays
2. C Kristofer O'Dowd
3. WR Damian Williams
4. DE Everson Griffen
5. RB Stafon Johnson
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