Don't be surprised if USC comes back next year with a vengeance. Despite losing offensive coordinator Norm Chow, designer of the USC Trojan playbook and a man who helped head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Matt Leinart with the play calling, USC is still the team to beat, as they have most of their top players returning back to college football; the likes of Leinart, running back Reggie Bush, LenDale White, Dominique Byrd and Dwayne Jarrett on offense, and defensive end Jeff Schweiger, linebacker Keith Rivers, cornerback Justin Wyatt, and the nation's best safety, Darnell Bing, are coming back. They will be joined by talented freshmen who will help make this a stellar team once again. They are loaded with talent and are headed by Pete Carroll, the man who has revived the program and brought it back to its feet.
For those of you who still don't know, USC is the team to beat. Led by the potent, high-powered offensive attack and by a well-coached defense, they put points on the scoreboard like nobody's business. When the defense gets going, they can shut down opponents as well. Leinart can beat you with his head; Reggie Bush can beat you with his lightning speed, crazy agility and with his wide receiver hands to make plays, not only by running, but catching the ball, making plays downfield and scoring touchdowns.
Bush has lethal ability to make defenders miss.
He has triumphed over opponents for rushing touchdowns, receiving touchdowns and returns for touchdowns.
He gives opponents headaches when they try to match-up with him, as he presents such amazing ability for a young running back with knowledge that will go a long way. Perhaps reminiscent of a young Barry Sanders or Marshall Faulk, he still has a ways to go before becoming a great running back when he arrives in the NFL, someday. But don't be surprised if Bush and star Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson compete head to head in 2006-07 for the Heisman, if Bush stays for his senior season. Or even next season.
Another name to watch is White. White is a power runner with good speed, who also helps balance the rushing attack. He keeps defenses off-balance with his steady ability to pick up rushing yards, and he can give Bush a breather when he needs one.
Don't forget that current sophomore Steve Smith is the top returning receiver with good hands and great speed, as evidenced by his Orange Bowl performance.
He gives solid and steady production, as he has a knack for running the proper routes while making catch after catch. Tight end Byrd is a big athletic receiver with great hands, who can block and make spectacular catches. Not to mention that 6'5" Jarrett is coming back, who had a productive freshman year as a starting wide receiver on the national champs.
Others that could contribute include wide receivers Chris McFoy, Whitney Lewis, Fred Davis, incoming freshman Patrick Turner, widely regarded as a "Mike Williams clone," running backs Herschel Dennis, the starter on the 2003 USC National Defending Team, Chauncey Washington, and kick returner Desmond Reed.
He is like a mini-Reggie Bush clone, since he possesses great return ability and is a terror in the open field.
USC still has the talent to lead a high-powered offense, and when they start rolling on all cylinders, watch out, as they will explode with fury and dominance once they get going. Remember USC's beatdown against Oklahoma in the national title game, which resulted in a 55-19 beating?
Exactly.
They dispatched Oklahoma with ease, and they'll do the same to opponents in '05. Why? It's not just because they have the talent and the ability to do so; they have the brains to guide them to title after title. After seeing Leinart display great intelligence and accuracy as he tossed five touchdown passes, and seeing the defense work to shut down one-time Heisman trophy winner Jason White, USC will certainly contend for next year's title.
Once new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian figures out how to handle this elite group of players, watch out.
Look for USC to repeat in 2005-06, as they are still the favorites. Despite the loss of Chow to the NFL, who has helped to develop so many college quarterbacks become successful whether in college or the pros, (this includes the likes of Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Phillip Rivers and Carson Palmer, in no particular order), USC will still be a dominant team.
After seeing them blow Oklahoma out of the water with an NFL style, attack-minded version of the west coast offense, and with Carroll, Leinart and Co. back for another fantastic season in college football, this certainly is the season to watch: Don't be surprised if USC does it again.
After all, it is not a longshot. It is a very distinct possibility. A dynasty may be in the making, and a three-peat still seems highly likely. Leinart in 2005 Reggie Bush in 2006. And only time will tell for 2007. This could be the era that will change the look and the view of college football.
