Southern California (USC) Trojans 2009 Season Preview/Prediction
The College Football season may be 7-8 weeks away but our man James Hayes has been deep in study and will provide his take and 2009 College Football Predictions on as many NCAA teams as he can before the 2009/10 season kicks off.
We start from the top and move our way down so keep checking in for more college football previews for the 2009-2010 NCAA Football Season!
Our 2009 NCAA Football Predictions – Teams | Analysis | Previews Online
Coach: Pete Carroll
2008 Record: 12-1
Under Pete Carroll’s reign – approaching the better part of a decade now – USC has become a juggernaut. With a team that reloads rather than rebuilds, you can expect the Trojans to be somewhere in the national title hunt every season.
Gambling Odds from Betus.com to win BCS: +550
The Trojans lose some key pieces from a suffocating 2008 defense, namely a fistful of linebackers – Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews – that should be difference-makers in the NFL. However, monster free safety Taylor Mays returns for his senior season and there should be enough highly-touted recruits to fill in the gaps. Look for a big season out of sophomore Mike ’backer Chris Galippo.
On offense, the running back position is deeper than the Pacific Ocean and the veteran offensive line should be able to blow open holes. Replenishing the quarterback position may be a challenge, but there is plenty of talent for Carroll and new offensive coordinator John Morton to experiment with.
Team Strengths
Southern Cal should run the ball on everyone in 2009. Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, Joe McKnight and fullback Stanley Havili present all kinds of threats. A large, athletic defensive secondary anchored by Mays and large cornerback Josh Pinkard will make highlight-reel plays. Former Arkansas recruit Damian Williams is a receiving threat opposing defenses must account for.
Team Weaknesses
Another vaunted pocket passer, first-round pick Mark Sanchez, must be replaced. Aaron Corp, former Razorback Mitch Mustain and true frosh Matt Barkley will battle for the starting job. It will be hard to replace Sanchez’s production.
The team must also replace its punter and kicker, the strong-legged David Buehler.
USC has a couple stiff tests in road games at Ohio State, Notre Dame and Cal.
Assuming Carroll’s boys emerge from those games unscathed, they are prime national title contenders.
2009 USC Trojans Record Prediction: 11-2
James has been naming every player on the EA Sports NCAA video game rosters for half a decade now, he’s finally putting his knowledge to better use. Writing for us here at CappersPicks.com. As always you’re comments are welcome below…Give Us Your Take!
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