TrojanWire

Early ESPN Top 25

1–2 minutes

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Preseason rankings mean nothing. But it is always interesting to see an outside perspective on the strength of the Pac-10 and Trojan program. East coast / SEC / Big 12 bias will always prevail so take this top 25 lightly. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach ranks USC #4. Here is what he has to say about the Trojans:

We won’t have to wait long to find out if the Trojans do indeed simply reload after losing so many star players to the NFL draft. After hosting San Jose State in their Sept. 5 opener, the Trojans play at Ohio State on Sept. 12. Either Aaron Corp or freshman Matt Barkley will be making his second career start at quarterback in that game. There will be a lot of talent around whoever starts at quarterback, including receiver Damian Williams and as many as six tailbacks who could start on most other Pac-10 teams. Eight starters must be replaced on defense, including linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga and defensive end Clay Matthews. The Trojans feel pretty good about their linebacker corps, and end Everson Griffen finally emerged as a potential difference-maker during spring practice. Along with the road trip to Ohio State, USC faces difficult road games at California on Oct. 3, at Notre Dame on Oct. 17, at Oregon on Oct. 31 and at Arizona State on Nov. 7.

Other teams on the Trojans schedule in the top 25 are Ohio State (6), Oregon (11), Cal (13) and Notre Dame (17).

Big 12, SEC continue to dominate [espn.com]

  1. You can call me Ray Avatar
    You can call me Ray

    PC has returned USC to the top of the Pac 10 and a National Championship contender every year. However, just like what happened to Washington in the 90’s, you cannot stay on top for too long before they start coming after you. If teams cannot beat you on the field, they try to beat you off the field.

    These allegations by people of questionable character should not worry USC, but when the NCAA starts looking at you under the microscope, they will find something.

    In Washington’s case, one player accepted a loan from a non-booster with zero ties to the football program (a businessman from Idaho or Montana). This was considered a major violation and the player was immediately suspended from the team. However, when the NCAA investigated, they found 2 more secondary violations and slapped the dreaded “lack of institutional control” label on the Athletic Department.

    The NCAA took some scholarships away for 2 years as a penalty but that did not satisfy the Pac 10. The PAC 10 AD’s piled on with a much stiffer penalty. Non-eligible for bowls for 2 years and additional scholarships were taken away. Don James resigned out of protest and the rest is history.

    So, USC should be more worried about Cal, Oregon, UCLA, OSU and the rest of the Pac 10 taking this opportunity to crush USC. If they can’t beat you on the field, they will try to beat you off the field.

    IMHO,

    You can call me Ray.

    Reply

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