2009 USC Trojans College Football Predictions

2009 USC Trojans Predictions
2008 Record: (12-1, 8-1)
Coach: Pete Carroll, 9th year (88-15 overall)
Off. Coordinator: John Morton (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Rocky Seto (1st year)
Returning Starters: 12 (9 offense, 3 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: The great programs don’t rebuild; they reload. USC has to replace just two starters on offense, but the one they have to replace is quarterback Mark Sanchez, who’s off to the NFL to play for the NY Jets. Sophomore Aaron Corp (6-4, 195) is expected to take his place, though freshman Matt Barkley (6-3, 220) could push him. Former Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain is also in the picture. At running back, the Trojans have a ton of talent, but they are still looking for that one back to dominate like Reggie Bush or Marcus Allen. Senior Stafon Johnson is the leading returning runner with 705 yards and there are a ton of talented backs behind him. At receiver, USC returns junior Damian Williams, who had 705 receiving yards last year with 58 catches and nine TDs. The offensive line returns all five starters and they have some serious talent, including junior Kris O’Dowd (6-5, 300), one of the nation’s top centers and senior LG Jeff Byers (6-4, 285), who was granted a sixth year of eligibilty.

Defense: The key on offense is finding a new quarterback. On defense, it’s replacing three superstar linebackers and the entire front seven. Pete Carroll has always been a defensive guy and last season, his defense was simply dominant. They allowed just 9ppg (1st in the nation), 87.4 yards per game on the ground (5th) and 221.8 yards per game overall (2nd in the nation). It will be impossible to repeat those numbers with all the defections, but that doesn’t mean there’s not talent. They will be huge up front after moving DT Armond Armstead (6-5, 290) to defensive end. The other end is more of a speed rusher in junior Everson Griffen (6-3, 265), who recorded 4.5 sacks last year. The interior will feature junior Christian Tupou (6-2, 280), who shares the spot with senior Averell Spicer (6-2, 295). They will be inexperienced at linebacker after losing Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing and Ray Maualuga-the nucleus of last year’s team. Sophomore Chris Galippo (6-2, 255) takes over at middle linebacker and he has all the tools to be a great one. He just lacks experience. The defensive backfield is led by senior All-American FS Taylor Mays (6-3, 230), an absolute beast, who had 53 tackles last year. Cornerback is stacked, even with two starters gone. Junior Shareece Wright, who missed last year with a neck injury, is the team’s fastest player.

Outlook: The schedule features Ohio State on the road, an easy home opener with San Jose State and a contest at Notre Dame. They’ll go as far as their inexperienced defense takes them. Of course, finding a quarterback will be the difference between being a top 10 team and a National Champ.

This PAC 10 conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com