It just occurred to me that Beano Cook’s old adage that to win the Heisman you either have to play for, or against, Notre Dame is now more accurately applicable to USC in 2009.

While neither Colt McCoy nor Tim Tebow will face the Trojans this season, several other Heisman candidates will see their fortunes rise or fall depending on how they fare against USC. 

For instance, it is going to be very difficult for Jahvid Best to win the Heisman without guiding the Bears to a victory over the Trojans on October 3.  After gaining just 30 yards in a loss to USC last year, he would be seen as a player who couldn’t perform well against a high level of competition.   Same with Jimmy Clausen on October 17 and Terrelle Pryor on September 5.   Meanwhile, USC’s Joe McKnight is a fringe candidate who could easily become a prime contender if he catches fire.

USC has the power to make winning the Heisman a lot easier for McCoy and Tebow by spoiling all these other campaigns.  However, beating USC could also give some player the boost he needs to leapfrog McCoy and Tebow in the race (note what it did for Dennis Dixon in 2007 before he got hurt).

So I think voters will keep a close eye on whoever plays against–and for–USC this year.