USC Trojans 2009 College Football Predictions: For most schools, facing a season with a new starting quarterback and only three defensive starters would signal a rebuilding year. However, at the University of Southern California, those obstacles simply mean that it is time for the USC Trojans to reload as they prepare for another run at the national championship. The college football predictions experts at online sportsbook SBG Global has the USC Trojans listed at +600 odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship Title .
Pros: The Trojans used a running back-by-committee approach a year ago, and with their top three rushers all returning will likely continue that plan in 2009. Stefon Johnson (705 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns) led the squad a year ago, while Joe McKnight (659 yards, 7.4 ypc) is the big-play back as well as the best receiver out of the backfield. C.J. Gable (617 yards, 8 touchdowns) gives the Trojans another backfield option. The offensive line returns four starters, and the receiving corps is also experienced and deep. The defense returns only three starters, but the defensive backfield is experienced, let by All-American safety Taylor Mays and the versatile Josh Pinkard.
Cons: Replacing Matt Sanchez at quarterback will be the most important challenge for head coach Pete Carroll. Sophomore Aaron Corp seems to have the early edge, but freshman Matt Barkley has received widespread praise. Former Arkansas starter Mitch Mustain has the most experience at the position, but he enters fall practice third on the depth chart. The defense has a lot of holes to fill from a squad that ranked first in the nation in scoring defense, and second in yards allowed. However, the cupboard is not at all bare as there are players with significant game experience ready to move in at every position.
#2 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
2008 Season Record: 12-1
2008 Final Rank: 2
Returning Starters on Offense: 9
Returning Starts on Defense: 3
Surprise Stat: The Trojans registered three shutouts in 2008 and held three other opponents without a touchdown.
The college football predictions odds makers at SBG Global have the USC Trojans –400 odds favorites to win the PAC Conference Title.
Overall Outlook: If the quarterback position is clearly settled and the new starters at defense are as good as expected, the Trojans shouldn’t miss a beat and will be back in the mix for a national title. However, if there are issues in either area, it might be a challenge for USC to earn their eighth straight appearance in a BCS bowl game.
Big Game: The new starting quarterback will get baptism by fire in the second week of the season as USC plays at Ohio State on September 12th. Last season the Trojans annihilated the Buckeyes and you can bet that Ohio State is looking to return the favor this time around. USC must win that game if they entertain any hope of contending for a national title. It isn’t very often that a true freshman is in the mix to start at quarterback for a national championship contender, but Matt Barkley evidently is that kind of special talent. Other leading members of USC’s recruiting class include versatile athlete Patrick Hall and defensive end Devon Kennard.
Key to Success: With a solid running attack, quality receiving corps and veteran offensive line, the new starting quarterback will not have to carry the team. Instead, he will simply have to minimize mistakes and take advantage of the opportunities he will get in the innovative USC offense. Watch for senior All-American safety Taylor Mays to assume the leadership role on defense and help mold the new starters into a quality unit.
Online Sportsbook SBG Global has posted the following odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship: Alabama +2200
Arizona St +7000
Arkansas +7000
Auburn +9000
Boston College +7500
California +2200
Cincinnati +8500
Clemson +7500
Colorado +8500
Florida +150
Florida St +4000
Georgia +7500
Georgia Tech +1200
Illinois +4500
Iowa +8500
Kansas +4500
Kansas St +8500
Kentucky +8500
Louisville +8500
LSU +3200
Miami FL +3200
Michigan +8500
Michigan St +1700
Missouri +8500
Nebraska +4500
Notre Dame +1200
Ohio St +800
Oklahoma +650
Oklahoma St +2700
Oregon +4500
Penn St +1500
Rutgers +4500
South Carolina +8500
South Florida+5000
Southern Cal +600
Tennessee +8500
Texas+650
Texas A&M+8500
Texas Tech +6500
UCLA +8500
Virginia Tech +1700
Wake Forest +8500
North Carolina +4500
West Virginia +6000
Wisconsin +6500
Field (All Others) +1200
