A bold prediction from yet another preseason rag.

Foremost, this is a significantly better team entering fall camp than a season ago. Actually, it’s not even close.

Sarkisian stressed to us that his No. 1 goal for the offense is more play-action passes for Booty, and that will come simply with more success in the running game. If that occurs, this team could be nearly unstoppable. And that defense isn’t likely to allow more than 20 points perhaps twice all season.

A Heisman note on John David Booty.

It would be surprising if Booty isn’t at the least a Heisman finalist, and if USC runs the table in the regular season, it’s not a reach to see the Trojans claiming their fourth Heisman Trophy in six years. That would also represent a first in the trophy’s history that dates back to 1935. The current mark is Notre Dame winning four from 1947-56.

Blue Ribbon preview: USC [ESPN]