USC Football: Why Trojans Are the Most Dangerous Team in the Pac-12

The USC Trojans (5-1) stepped into the national spotlight yet again on Thursday night when they took on the California Golden Bears (3-3) in a prime-time Pac-12 matchup.  The Trojans disrupted the Bears' homecoming game with a dominant 30-9 victory on the water at AT&T Park.

After showing a shaky defense against Arizona, the Trojans responded by snagging three interceptions, forcing four fumbles, sacking Zach Maynard three times and blocking a Giorgio Tavecchio extra-point attempt.

A USC loss could have been disastrous to the Trojans' season.  However, with the victory, the Trojans will be a very dangerous team down the stretch.

Here's why the Trojans, if not for NCAA-imposed sanctions, should be playing for a Pac-12 Championship on December 2nd.

Robert Woods

After Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, Robert Woods is the best wide receiver in the nation.  

He has put up outstanding numbers the entire season and has only been held in check once this season, on Thursday against Cal when he only had five catches for 36 yards.

Despite that fact, his mere presence opens up the entire USC offense because he demands so much attention.  He frees up other wide receivers like Marqise Lee, and also allows for the running game to get timely first downs.

Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley is arguably the third-best quarterback in the nation behind Stanford's Andrew Luck and Oklahoma's Landry Jones.

With the exception of two games he missed due to injury, he has started every game ever since he was named the starter as a true freshman and that makes him the unquestioned leader of the entire USC team.  However, he is still growing and getting better, and it is showing.

Standing behind one of the best offensive linemen in college football, left tackle Matt Kalil, he is given a lot of time to stand in the pocket and read the field.  This makes up for his lack in arm strength, as he has the vision to see the field and to get the ball to Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.

Improving Linebacker Corps

The USC linebacking corps is improving each game, no doubt about it.

On Thursday, Dion Bailey (left) led the team with eight tackles and two interceptions (including one in USC's end zone), Hayes Pullard had six tackles and a forced fumble, and Chris Galippo, the lone senior, had an interception just outside the Cal 20 yard line.

Great stats like those from the Trojan linebackers aren't exactly new this season, as they have been the leaders of the defense, both statistically and emotionally.

They have been sparked by the play of Bailey and Pullard, both redshirt freshman, who have helped revitalize Galippo's Trojan career.

As the linebackers go, the Trojan defense goes.

Injured Opponents

While USC's schedule isn't easy down the stretch, their opponents are already helping the Trojans.

The most exciting player in the Pac-12, Oregon's LaMichael James (left), is currently out with a dislocated right elbow.  While all signs are pointing to James returning in the near future, there will undoubtedly be a fear that he could re-injure it at any moment. 

Another huge injury for a top-tier Pac-12 team is the loss of Shayne Skov, the rock of the Stanford defense.  Skov injured his knee almost a month ago and is done for the season, leaving a huge void at inside linebacker for the Cardinal.

The Trojans suffered some injuries themselves this Thursday against Cal, but none seemed too serious. Wide receiver Marqise Lee and running back Marc Tyler should both be ready next weekend after both injuring their shoulders; however, cornerback Anthony Brown will be lost for the season with a broken foot.

Underdog Factor

Usually it's impossible for the Trojans to be considered underdogs, as they are one of the most high-profile college programs in the nation.

But this year, that isn't the case.

The Trojans lost to Arizona State, 43-22 in Tempe—a game that easily could have been won had Matt Barkley not had arguably his worst game as a Trojan, throwing two interceptions and fumbling the ball once.

Now after that loss, teams around the Pac-12 are starting to think they have a legitimate shot at taking down USC because they've already been brought down once.

But that's just fueling the fire.

The Trojans are out to prove they're still the top dog of the Pac-12.

Lane Kiffin's Will To Win

This is a big statement year for the Trojans.

Matt Barkley is proving his worth as a professional quarterback because he is expected to leave USC after the season to the NFL.

But most importantly, Lane Kiffin is trying to rebound from a 8-5 year where he went 5-4 in the Pac-10 in his first year as a head coach.  He's also trying to prove that USC still has the desire to be a great team, despite the fact that they don't have an opportunity to go to a bowl game because of NCAA-imposed sanctions.

Kiffin won't accept anything less than a Pac-12 Championship, but because they can't officially compete for it, he will do all in his power to let the nation know that the USC Trojans are still fighting on.