2008 USC Trojans
Written June 5, 2008 by Jason Lowry
It’s that time of year for Jason Lowry to give his 2008 USC Trojans predictions, but first lets take a look at what this team is bringing to the table on offense and defense. The Trojans finished last season at 11-2 that was capped off by a blowout win against Illinois in the Rose Bowl. The Trojans lost a total of 10 players in the draft, but that’s nothing new for a team that has a B squad that could likely win 9-10 games a year. With 13 returning starters it will be interesting to see if Pete Carroll can take this team to yet another National Championship.
Offense:
The biggest question on the offense side of things is QB Mark Sanchez going to be able to lead this team to another Pac 10 title, if not look for current backup Mitch Mustain to come in and get a shot. The offense only brings back 4 starters, and only 1 on the offensive line. Guard Jeff Byers will see a whole new crowd of faces, but there is plenty of talent here to not get to worked up over. At wide receiver and running back there is a load of talent, and it just might be who emerges first. It looks as though you will see another running back by committee attempt with Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, and C.J. Gable. At the receiving end of things look for big years from returning starters Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton, but don’t be surprised if sophomore David Ausberry steals the show.
Defense:
This defense could be scary good this season even with the loss of DT Sedrick Ellis and LB Keith Rivers in the first round of the draft. Many believe they have the best starting LB’s and DB’s in the country. Rey Maualuga is being considered the best inside linebacker and they are saying Brian Cushing just might be the best OLB there is. The safety combination of Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison is top notch, and don’t be surprised if they both don’t end up All-Americans next year. If this team struggles it might be at the opposite corner spot of Sr. Cary Harris and on the defensive line. Though the line might not be what it was in ’07 senior DT Fili Moala is a beast up front. With the way this team recruits I wouldn’t worry too much about filling holes on a team that is full of NFL type players.
Predictions: 1st in the Pac 10
If things go right for this team they can easily be back in the national title hunt. If Sanchez can play anything like the coaches think, this team has all the weapons to be a great offensive team. We are thinking at least another 11 win season, as they have only accomplished that the last 6 years. The biggest test of the year will come early as they host the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sept. 13, in what many believe are the best two teams coming into the season. If anything you can count on another BCS game for this team, as they will roll through a not so tough Pac 10.
If you are looking to get a head start on the NCAA Football season, be sure to head over to Bodoglife.com and get an account up and going. Also be sure to check back as professional handicapper Jason Lowry will continue to roll through his team-by-team 2008 NCAA football predictions. As always feel free to leave any comments in our comment box.
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