2010 Arkansas Razorbacks Preview Odds

USC Trojans

9-4, 4-9 ATS, 5th Place in Pac-10

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: OTB at 5Dimes Sportsbook

The Trojans spent the last nine years in college football paradise: nine bowl games, seven bowl wins, five Pac-10 titles, and two national championships. However, it’s recently all come crashing down with the departure of Pete Carroll, the NCAA ruling that Reggie Bush was receiving improper benefits, and the subsequent punishment highlighted by a two year bowl ban and the vacating of 14 wins and a national title.

Offensive Outlook: In steps new head coach Lane Kiffin, bringing fresh controversy to the Trojans program. Kiffin will inherit several returning productive stars on offense. Quarterback Matt Barkley will lead the Trojans for his second year. Barkley completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,735 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 14 picks. His top two targets are now gone in Damian Williams and Anthony McCoy. Now, it will be up to Ronald Johnson, Brice Butler and fullback Stanley Havili to take their place. Last season, Johnson contributed 378 yards and three touchdowns on 34 catches. Butler averaged 14.6 yards per catch and scored twice. Havili caught racked up 298 yards and two scores on just 22 receptions while averaging 6.6 yards per rush on 21 attempts. Last season’s 44th ranked rushing attack stands to remain powerful, with senior Allen Bradford taking over for the NFL-bound Joe McKnight. Bradford averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored eight times as a junior.

Defensive Outlook: Last year, opponents gained 212.3 passing and 128.2 rushing yards per game, scoring on average 19.8 points, making the Trojans the 43rd best defensive unit in the FBS. Opposing quarterbacks were sacked 33 times, but teams did convert 38% of the time on third down. Senior safety Will Harris led the team with four interceptions, but has graduated, leaving a core of sophomores to take the reins. The linebackers are mostly sophomores, as well. While on the young side, the defense definitely did its job last season and will be strong again come September.

The Final Word: There is plenty of on-field talent for the Trojans to be atop the conference, but what remains to be seen is how hard these guys will play in November, when the realization really hits that, even if they keep winning, they won’t be rewarded with a bowl game. For this reason, expect Oregon and possibly Arizona to surpass USC for a second straight year.

2010 USC Trojans Prediction: 9-3, 3rd place in Pac-10

2010 USC Trojans Schedule
9/2 @ Hawaii
9/11 Virginia
9/18 @ Minnesota
9/25 @ Washington State
10/2 Washington
10/9 @ Stanford
10/16 California
10/30 Oregon
11/6 Arizona State
11/13 @ Arizona
11/20 @ Oregon State
11/27 Notre Dame
12/4 UCLA