(Image from USA Today)

The coaches have spoken. And for once it’s not Les Miles shooting his stupid mouth off. Nor is it Jim Harbaugh’s never ceasing affection. The board of coaches has spoken and the word is “Trojans.”

The pre season 2007 USA-Today coaches poll has just been released. The poll is voted upon by the board of coaches, which is comprised of some 60 head coaches at Division I-A institutions. Although the poll doesn’t have an extreme amount of significance at the start of the season, it is the same poll that is a determining factor in the controversial BCS ratings at the season’s end. Ultimate placement in the coaches poll is key to a successful BCS bowl-bid and the top spots are highly sought after positions. Opening placement, on the other hand, is pretty much “official” bragging rights…which USC has now officially earned.

USA-Today 2007 Coaches Poll: (*first place votes / 2006 records)
USC 2007 Opponents in bold

1. Southern California (*45 / 11-2)
2. LSU (*4 / 11-2)
3. Florida (*9 / 13-1)
4. Texas (10-3)
5. Michigan (*2 / 11-2)
6. West Virginia (11-2)
7. Wisconsin (12-1)
8. Oklahoma (11-3)
9. Virginia Tech (10-3)
10. Ohio State (12-1)
11. Louisville (12-1)
12. California (10-3)
13. Georgia (9-4)
14. Auburn (11-2)
15. Tennessee (9-4)
16. Rutgers (11-2)
17. UCLA (7-6)
18. Penn State (9-4)
19. Nebraska (9-5)
20. Arkansas (10-4)
21. Florida State (7-6)
22. TCU (11-2)
23. Boise State (13-0)
24. Hawaii (11-3)
25. Texas A&M (9-4)