Nick Daschel is a veteran sports writer and columnist who has worked on the West coast for nearly three decades. Nick has covered the Pac-10 for about 15 years, primarily focusing on the Northwest schools.
Here’s how we see things unfolding for the Trojans in 2009:
Click here to listen to audio analysis of USC’s upcoming season by former UCLA coach Terry Donahue.
Buster predicted record/finish: 9-3, 7-2
Best case scenario: The best case any season at USC is a national title. This team is capable of it, with five returning starters on the offensive line, perhaps the nation’s best defensive player in Taylor Mays and other talent just waiting for a stage. USC could storm into Columbus and bury the Buckeyes as it often does in high-profile non-conference road games. Though the schedule is tough, the Trojans have the talent to win at California, at Notre Dame, at Oregon, at Arizona State, before polishing off the schedule with three home wins. Then comes Florida in a BCS Championship game that should have happened a year ago. Which, of course, the Trojans win 17-7.
Worst case scenario: Don’t forget that USC is a college team, not an NFL team. Lots of 19 and 20 year olds on that roster who may not be equipped to handle college football’s most brutal schedule of 2009. Six road games against five potential Top 25 teams during the first nine weeks? It takes a toll on the Trojans. Though USC survives at Ohio State, the road-weary Trojans stumble at California as the inexperience at quarterback and injuries on defense are evident. Then comes a loss against a much-improved Notre Dame. Though USC gets its revenge against Oregon State, the Trojans lose again, to Oregon, followed by a shocking loss against defensive-minded Arizona State. USC finishes up its worst season since Pete Carroll’s first year with three straight home wins, but 8-4 and a Sun Bowl berth is a losing season to Trojan fans.
Game not to miss: USC at California, Oct. 3. Even though it’s only week 5 of the college football season, it looks like this game will decide the Pac-10 title. California is itching to get over the hump, a massive hump that is USC.
Player not to miss: Taylor Mays gave us a gift, folks, by coming back for his senior season. Enjoy this rocket ship of a safety while you can.
What the fans are saying: 6Bear6 at bearinsider.com: “Is it wildly impossible to conceive that SUC will lose to Ohio State, Cal and Oregon? Should also be interesting in South Bend, although I think it's a longshot that the Domers put away you know who. The Trojans finish with three games at home that will give them their usual pump in the Polls. But the bigger tests come in the first 5 weeks.”
Coach on the hot seat? Pete Carroll? Hot seat? This isn’t the NFL, folks. Carroll owns college football. Only Carroll says when it’s time to go, not USC.
Only Carroll says when it’s time to go, not U$C? Unless the NCAA does its job. Trust me, after a couple of 3 or 4 loss seasons, the boosters will run him off.
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