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#3 USC Trojans Preview

Jeffrey Gearhart |Aug 27,2008

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#3 USC Trojans Preview

The USC Trojans were expected to make to be playing for the National Championship last season, however two loses, including an upset to Stanford, foiled that plan. But the Trojans still managed to win a share of the PAC-10 title and went to the Rose Bowl where they blew out Illinois.Can USC get back to the title game? Jeff Gearhart gives us his take on how the Trojans will fare in 2008.

USC TROJANS
HEAD COACH-Pete Carroll
2007 RECORD: 11-2

2007 REVIEW
The USC Trojans were expected to make to be playing for the National Championship last season, however two loses, including an upset to Stanford, foiled that plan. Not all was lost though, as the Trojans shared the PAC-10 title with Arizona State and made yet another trip to the Rose Bowl defeating Illinois.

TEAM MVP
If linebacker Ray Maualuga can stay consistent, the payoff for returning for his senior year could be huge. The maturity of Maualuga has become greater year after year, and he has emerged as the defensive leader that Coach Carroll envisioned four years ago. After being named MVP of last years Rose Bowl, Maualuga is the front-runner for the Butkus Award. In addition, if he can avoid disaster is a sure fire first- round pick following his college career.

OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
USC has been in this position before, replacing one of the top quarterbacks in school history. All eyes will be on Mark Sanchez, to see if he can step up to take the responsibility of leading the team. It should not be a problem, though after proving he can do the job mid-season last year filling in for the injured John David Booty for three games. On the heels of Sanchez however, will be Mitch Mustain. Mustain still has a chance though. After having to sit out last season after transferring from Arkansas, Mustain will still make a stake for the top spot this fall. Also in the mix for competition is redshirt freshman Aaron Corp. Despite the lack of experience, Corp could pose a threat if he is given a chance to show what he can do. Corp is a very agile quarterback and could bring something to contribute to the offense.

RUNNINGBACK/FULLBACK
The Trojans could have the best running back stable in the country. Despite not having a returning running back, there are plenty of top candidates to choose from. There is a great amount of versatility here and Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, and C.J Gable could all see significant playing time depending on how they are used in the offense. All of them have their own unique style, and should be a factor for opposing defenses. Redshirt freshman Broderick Green could prove his worth with his size, something that Pete Carroll craves in a back. Fullback Stanley Havili returns as fullback, and is not only a lead blocker but also effective as a receiver and runner. Adam Goodman and Matt Hiller are untested but could see playing time if needed.

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END
Despite not having much of a domination factor, all three starting receivers return. Vidal Hazelton, Patrick Turner, and David Ausberry are top performers but need to step-up their game to emerge as an elite force. Ronald Johnson and Damian Williams will be hot on the heels of the others to top the chart as deserving starters. USC had its first ever Mackey Award winner last season in tight end Fred Davis. Davis is now gone and the Trojans will need to rely on Anthony McCoy and Rhett Ellison to try to fill that void.

OFFENSIVE LINE
This is the sole area that USC could have trouble. With only one returning starter, the line will get a complete overhaul. Not only is Jeff Byers returning at left guard, he is the only senior on the line. The other guard position could see a battle between Zach Heberer and Thomas Herring vying for the starting nod. The tackle spots should have significant battle with Charles Brown, Butch Lewis, Alex Parsons, and Nick Howell all wanting to gain the top spot. Kristofer O'Dowd is leading candidate to start at center, with Michael Reardon a close second.

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINE
This could be the biggest concern going into the season for the Trojans. The line will need to rebuild after losing two of the best lineman in school history: nose tackle Sedrick Ellis and end Lawrence Jackson. Two returning lineman, tackle Fili Moala and end Kyle Moore are solid and steady seniors that will anchor the line. The nose tackle position is an open battle between Averell Spicer and Christian Tupou, both of whom have little experience and loads of potential. Sophomore Everson Griffen is the front-runner for the open-end position, but looking to get in on the mix are Gerald Washington and Trey Henderson. Linebacker Clay Matthews could be used in certain situations for the end position.

LINEBACKER
One word can describe the linebacker corps; loaded! Even though USC lost All-American Keith Rivers, there is a heap of talent to go around. Leading the charge is Rey Maualuga. Maualuga had an outstanding season last year, and could be even better this season. Senior Brian Cushing returns to the strong side, and could take some hardware home if he has a stellar year. Both Kaluka Maiava and Luther Brown will make a push for the starting spot on the weak side vacancy. Clay Matthews is a versatile enough player to play any spot and contribute. Several other players will be fighting for time including Michael Morgan, Malcolm Smith, and Chris Galippo.

SECONDARY
The secondary should be in good shape with seven defensive backs that have starting experience. There is only one vacant position in the secondary, and that should be filled with Shareece Wright at cornerback. Cary Harris has the other corner spot locked up, as he returns for his senior year. Both the safety positions return as well, with Taylor Mays at free safety and Kevin Ellison at strong safety. Josh Pinkard and Kevin Thomas could push Wright for the starting corner spot, barring any catastrophic circumstances. There is plenty of depth among the safeties, with Will Harris, Marshall Jones, Justin Hart, and Robert Erickson battling for action.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams remain almost completely in tact. The sole question remains at the long snapper position, but Cooper Stephenson is the likely replacement. Both placekicker David Buehler and punter Greg Woidneck return for the Trojans. Kick returner Ronald Johnson and punt returner Joe McKnight return, and are viable threats to opposing teams. The holder position could be a question as well with junior receiver Garrett Green taking over.

2008 OUTLOOK
For six consecutive seasons, USC has won 11 games and made it to a BCS bowl and this year should be no different. A lot will depend on Mark Sanchez and his strong arm. He is a mobile player that can make the big play, but that could prove to be a downfall if he cannot make the right decisions on the field. If the Trojans can get by Ohio State early in the season, the rest of the schedule is easier than it was last season and USC could once again make a challenge for the number one ranking and a trip to the BCS National Championship Game.