USC's Five Toughest Games in 2009

In my past two years of covering USC football, I've been able to see some pretty crazy things.

I was on the sideline standing in the corner of the end zone when Mark Bradford caught a touchdown pass to cap off Stanford's incredible upset bid in 2007. At Oregon, Mark Sanchez threw an interception right in front of me to close the books on a comeback. Last year in Corvallis, I was almost mobbed trying to get to the locker room amid Oregon State fans who had rushed the field.

What's the lesson of it all? Expect the unexpected.

When the Trojans are on their game, they can play with anyone in the country. But they're also capable of falling asleep for a half and letting it cost them the season.

With that said, here's a look at the five toughest games for USC in 2009.

1. At Ohio State, September 12

USC won't get caught sleeping here, as once again this game will command a wealth of national attention. But both teams face more question marks than they did in last year's game. With both teams essentially rebuilding their defenses, the game could turn into a high scoring affair. But both teams must also replace a star in the backfield in Mark Sanchez and Beanie Wells (although Wells missed last year's game in Los Angeles).

Pete Carroll's teams have always done well in out of conference games, but The Shoe is a pretty tough place to win a game.

2. At Cal, October 3

Since upsetting USC in 2003 and coming within a single Aaron Rodgers pass of doing it again in 2004, the Bears haven't been able to knock the Trojans off their pedestal atop the Pac-10. But Cal could be as dangerous as ever in 2009, courtesy of Jahvid Best, who might be the league's best offensive player. The linebacking corps will have to be completely rebuilt, but the pieces are there for a talented defense.

3. At Oregon, October 31

The Trojans haven't won in the Beaver State since 2005, a trend they'll be looking to reverse this year. The Ducks have a tremendous amount of firepower with Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount returning in the backfield. But both lines are essentially starting from scratch, so everything will start up front for USC in this Halloween tilt.

4. Vs. Oregon State, October 24

Under Carroll, the Trojans have only lost to the same team in consecutive years once - to Kansas State in 2001 and 2002. This is the only home game to appear on the list, but it should be their toughest. USC will be itching for a chance to contain Jacquizz Rodgers after he tore them apart in Corvallis.

5. At Notre Dame, October 17

Since the infamous "Bush Push" of 2005, the Trojans have steamrolled the Fighting Irish in every game. But this could be the year that things finally stabilize in South Bend. This will be USC's first game after a bye, however, and Carroll is hard to beat when he has two weeks to prepare for an opponent.