Even though the Tigers may struggle a bit on the O-Line, they can't be getting any worse by practicing every day against their own D-Line, which ranks in the top 10 in the nation, led by standout freshman Da’Quan Bowers, Ricky Sapp, and Jarrett Crittenton.
The secondary for the Tigers will be a strong point with all four men returning, led by CB Chris Chancellor.
The Tigers benefit from a relatively soft non-conference schedule and open up with their first five games at home or on a neutral site. I’m sure The Citadel and South Carolina State will be barnburners at Clemson.
Their toughest task will be back to back games on the road in the first weeks of November, first going to Boston College, and then visiting Tallahassee the next week to square off with the Seminoles in the Bowden Bowl.
Newcomers in 2008 for the Tigers who will have an impact are OL Antoine McClain, OL Dalton Freeman, TE Dwayne Allen, and DB Spencer Adams.
Projected Record: 11-2 (one-and-a-half games over assigned total)
7. USC
Over/Under Odds: 10.5 wins
Although the Trojans only return four starters on the offensive side of the ball, it seems that every year they get the top recruits, such as Joe McKnight last season. McKnight awed the crowd all year with his tremendous ability to burst through holes and make big plays, like the 80-yard TD run in the Rose Bowl against Illinois.
Mark Sanchez will be under center for the Trojans and will try to get the ball to his playmakers as often as possible. WRs Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton are big, physical receivers who will cause problems for undersized DBs.
The Trojans defense will be its strong suit and will be anchored by LBs Rey Maualuga (first team All-Pac-10) and Brian Cushing. FS Taylor Mays is a ball-hawker who has great NFL potential.
The toughest task on the year for the Trojans will be the home contest with Ohio State, but the advantage the Trojans boast is that they have a bye the week before and after the game.
The Pac-10 will be very competitive this year, but the Trojans get both Cal and Oregon at home, with their toughest road trips coming at Oregon State or Washington State.
For the most part the Trojans have a relatively easy schedule, mainly because of the home games against Ohio State, Cal, and Oregon. With the suffocating defense the Trojans own, it will be tough for any team to score off the Trojans.
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