2008 USC Trojans Football Wagering Preview
Strengths
The Trojans’ underrated defense which allowed just 16 points per game last season, will be very strong once again with linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga leading the way despite the loss of fellow linebacker Keith Rivers who was a top ten NFL draft pick.
USC also has excellent, NFL-bound safeties in Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison.
Weaknesses
The defensive line suffered two big losses in Lawrence Jackson and Sedrick Ellis – right along with the offensive line – which lost starters, Sam Baker and Chilo Rachal.
While the team has talented younger players to replace them, the Trojans could have some early-season problems with inexperience along both lines and at quarterback where Mark Sanchez will replace Booty.
2007 Record: (11-2, 7-2 Pac 10)
2007 Bowl Game: Rose Bowl vs. Illinois (W 49-17)
Head Coach: Pete Carroll (76-14 at USC, 76-14 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian
Defensive Coordinator: Nick Holt
Returning Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Stafon Johnson, RB, 673 yards
Passing: Mark Sanchez, QB, 695 yards
Receiving: Patrick Turner, WR, 569 yards
Tackles: Rey Maualuga, LB, 79
Sacks: Rey Maualuga, LB, 6.0
Interceptions: Kevin Ellison, S, 2; Kyle Moore, DE, 2
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More Key Returnees: WR David Ausberry, G Jeff Byers, LB Brian Cushing, CB Cary Harris, FB Stanley Havili, S Taylor Mays, RB Joe McKnight, DT Fili Moala, WR Patrick Turner
Key Losses: OT Sam Baker, QB John David Booty, TE Fred Davis, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Lawrence Jackson, G Chilo Rachal, OT Drew Radovich, LB Keith Rivers, C Matt Spanos, CB Terrell Thomas, RB Chauncey Washington, LB Thomas Williams
The Trojans lost seven players in the first two rounds of the NFL draft and a total of ten altogether, including starting quarterback John David Booty, but are as loaded as any team in the nation as this program draws top-notch talent from all across the country every year.
2007 Team Stats
Rushing: 197.23 (27th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing: 237.69 (50, 5)
Total Offense: 434.92 (29, 3)
Points Per Game: 32.62 (34, 2)
Defense
Rushing: 84.15 (4, 2)
Pass: 189.00 (15, 1)
Total Defense: 273.15 (2, 1)
Points Allowed Per Game: 16.00 (2, 1)
Turnover Margin: .15 (41, 4)
Sacks: 3.46 (3, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 1.31 (17, 2)
2007 Wagering Stats
11-2 SU, 7-2 (Conf.), 7-6 ATS, 3-10 O/U
2008 NCAA Football Odds
-300 to win Pac-10
+300 to win BCS Championship
2008 Analysis
The Trojans will contend for the national title again in 2008 and posted a solid ATS record last season for the BetUS online NCAA Football wagering community and went 3-10 in O/U wagers last season, fueled by their often spectacular defense.
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