2011-2012 Football Previews – Pac 12 Conference – USC Trojans
Despite NCAA sanctions that prevented the team from participating in a bowl game in 2010, the University of Southern California Trojans burst out of the starting gate winning four straight and then suddenly faded, winning just one out of its next four to finish the season 8-5 overall under first year head coach Lane Kiffin.
2011 PAC-Twelve | Southern Cal Trojans Football Preview
Coach: Lane Kiffin
2010-11 Record: 8-5 (5-4)
USC Trojans Gambling Odds from Bodog.com to win BCS: 15-1
USC Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
While an 8-5 season would be considered an accomplishment for many college football programs, it is a paltry finish for a university steeped in football greatness.
But even after most had written the Trojans off, anticipating the team would have little to play for after being suspended from postseason play, the Boys from Troy delivered in typical USC fashion.
They won’t be eligible again in 2011, but with pride and enough talent, you can expect the Trojans to be one of the best teams in the newly formed PAC-12, and maybe one of the best in entire nation.
With 13 returning starters, and loads of talented young candidates challenging for playing time, this year’s USC Trojans will be exciting to watch every time they take the field.
Let’s take a closer at both the offense and defense, plus my prediction on where I see them finishing in this year’s chase for the conference title.
Offense:
The Trojans biggest weapon on offense will be junior starting quarterback Matt Barkley.
Considered to be one of next year’s top NFL draft picks and Heisman Trophy candidates, Barkley threw for nearly 2,800 yards with 26 TDs and just 12 picks in 2010.
However, this season could prove more challenging, as USC lost three of their four wide outs from last season. They do return their top threat in the category, sophomore Robert Woods who led the team with 65 catches for 792 yards and was second on the team with six touchdowns. With a full season under his belt, and being Barkley’s primary target, those numbers should soar in 2011.
With a depleted receiving corps, the Trojans will need to rely on its running game that netted an average of 189 YPG last season.
They will bring back senior Marc Tyler who led the team with 913 yards and nine touchdowns and he will likely take on the bulk of the carries this season. His biggest challenge however, will be working with an offensive line that will field just two returning starters.
Defense:
Defensively, the Trojans have not been a dominating force for the past two seasons, and this year will be no different. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
After giving up 49 points to Hawaii in its season opener, the USC defense finished the 2010 season surrendering nearly 30 points per game while allowing 140 YPG on the ground.
This year’s front four will definitely need to improve that statistic, and it won’t be easy after losing their best defensive lineman from last year in tackle Jurrell Casey. Nevertheless, the squad does return one of the top defensive ends in the conference in junior Nick Perry, and both starting tackles from last year in seniors DaJohn Harris and Armond Armstead. Expectations for this unit will be high heading into 2011.
While the linebacker position is solid with returnees Devon Kennard and Chris Galippo, overall this unit is less experienced, but will be backed by one of the best secondary’s in the PAC-12.
Sophomore corner Nickell Robey led the Trojans with four interceptions as a true freshman, while junior free safety T.J. McDonald registered a team-high 89 tackles and three picks.
2011 University Of Southern California Prediction: 2nd PAC-12 South –
Even thought the Trojans will once again have nothing to play for at the end of the year, I expect the pride of USC Football to inspire this team to compete in every game.
2011 Southern Cal Trojans Schedule
9/3/11 3:30 PM ET MINN
9/10/11 7:30 PM ET UTAH
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET SYR
9/24/11 10:15 PM ET @ARZST
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET ARZ
10/13/11 9:00 PM ET @CAL
10/22/11 7:30 PM ET @NOTRE
10/29/11 8:00 PM ET STAN
11/4/11 9:00 PM ET @COL
11/12/11 3:30 PM ET WASH
11/19/11 8:00 PM ET @ORE
11/26/11 10:00 PM ET UCLA
