The USC Trojans enter 2008 college football season projected as a national contender ranked high in both major polls, No. 2 in the USA-Today Coaches poll and No. 3 in the AP poll. Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Trojans listed as the odds favorite (+350) to win the BCS national championship and (-350) to win the PAC 10 Conference championship.
As August camp wanes, it’s business as usual for the Trojans team as they prepare for their Aug. 30 opening game at Charlottesville, Va., against the University of Virginia Cavaliers. While pre-season expectations traditionally are always high at USC, they are through the stratosphere following the success coach Pete Carroll has enjoyed in his eight years heading up the program.
With only a week to go until their trip to Virginia, the Trojans are faced with a few question marks.
Who will be the starting quarterback against the Cavaliers? Junior Mark Sanchez emerged from spring drills No. 1 on the depth chart, however; was knocked out of August camp with a separated knee cap. Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain, who battled Sanchez closely in the spring, has been getting the bulk of the work in camp thus far.
Sanchez is on the mend and could start against the Cavaliers but would be effective from lack of practice time? Sanchez has returned to throwing in practice but is still held out of drills.
Depth at running back could be an issue with C.J. Gable sidelined from injury in Tuesday’s (Aug. 19) practice. The redshirt sophomore was hurt when he was tackled from behind in a scrimmage drill. It is unsure if Gable will be ready for the season opener.
USC has one more scrimmage scheduled during fall drills, set for this Thursday (Aug. 21) at 3:30 p.m. in the Los Angeles Coliseum.“We've still got a lot of work to do, but I like the way we're looking,” said Carroll following Saturday’s (Aug. 16) scrimmage.
USC is listed (Sportsbook.com) as a 19.5-point road favorite for its opening game against the University of Virginia.
