For the first time in 4 years, USC must play without a national championship on the line. (Wow.)

Things are certainly strange when Plaschke is being cited:

If the Trojans finish this unsettling season with a victory today, it might be the best of Carroll’s tenure. He has long been acclaimed for inspiring his team even through the most mundane tasks. It will take true genius to figure a way to light this fire.

Then there’s Michigan, which plays somewhat bored even in the best of times.

Enough pessimism.

These teams are so stocked with talent it’s hard to believe that this Rose Bowl will be anything but a great game — a Grandaddy. It’s a future glimpse of next years’ powerhouses, and possibly a prequel to the 2007 national championship.

Let us pray… that USC can return to this God-forsaken facility with a win streak… on December 6th, 2008.

Who’s your granddaddy? Not this old guy [LA Times]