Whatchu Talkin' Bout Underdog?
Danny Dabiri |Oct 24,2007
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 Whatchu Talkin' Bout Underdog?
For the first time in 57 games, the Trojans enter a contest as the underdog. The last time the Trojans were in this position was the 2003 opener against Auburn. A relatively unknown quarterback named Matt Leinart was making his first career start. USC dominated Auburn 23-0 and went on to win the first of their two national championships. Pete Carroll’s program has been the standard bearer of success in recent years. A stunning home loss to Stanford earlier in the season has stripped the Trojans of their aura of invincibility. After an unimpressive home victory over Arizona, USC took Notre Dame behind the woodshed in a 38-0 massacre in South Bend. Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez has started the last two games while starting quarterback John David Booty recovers from a broken finger. Even thought Booty has looked good in practice, it is expected that Sanchez will get the start.
The oddsmakers have designated the Ducks three point favorites. Versatile quarterback Dennis Dixon has been stellar all season for the Ducks. He should pose a great challenge to the Trojans defense. The Ducks will have the benefit of the home crowd. Autzen Stadium is notoriously one of the loudest stadiums in the country.
As far as being the underdog, Carroll doesn’t seem to care.
“That means absolutely nothing to me,” Carroll said. “I never noticed it. If you didn’t bring it up, I wouldn’t even know.”
That sounds like the Pete Carroll I remember. There is no doubt that Carroll will have his kids ready for battle. Let’s get it on!
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