4 in a row?

[Sirfindafold]

With another National Championship all but wrapped up, what are the chances of USC winning it again next year?

On offense they will lose Leinhart, Bush and probably Lendale White (who is projected as a second rounder). They'll lose one lineman and their TE - Domonique Byrd. John David Booty should step right in just like Leinart did for Carson Plamer. A very good receiving corp stays intact.

I believe their defense returns pretty much intact, with Darnell Bing being the biggest loss. Players like Dallas Sartz will return next year from injury. They might have one of the best LB groups in the country with Keith Rivers, Sartz, Malugua and Brian Cushing.

Coaching turnover won't have the same negative effect that it did this year.

Continued recruiting excellence.

Not sure about their schedule other than they travel to Arkansas and have ND at home.


I'd say their chances are pretty good.

[Sky]

I would like to disagree but can't.

I never thought they would be this good after losing palmer and palimau (sp). And hell, Palmer's back up QB got picked up over a Heisman winner.

[Killian]

Coaching turnover won't have the same negative effect that it did this year.

I think it will actually have a larger effect next year than this past season. Leinart is the defacto OC. He was groomed for 4 years under Chow, and played 2 of those years. The offensive play calling was not going to fall off this season. Next year, Booty will have 2 years under Chow, none while playing meaningful minutes. Leinart has the ability to audible into anything he wants (see the 4th and 9 pass against ND). It will be interesting to see if Booty (or Sanchez) has the same freedom, and if they are as good at audibling as Leinart.

[Roofer]

I don't think White leaves. I think he wants to shoulder the TB load next year, instead of splitting carries with Bush like he has had to do for the past 2 years. I think if he stays, and has a monster year, then he may move up into the first round. I'm guessin if Reggie leaves (and thats more like when, not if), he's gonna feel compelled to stick around and carry on the tradition. I'm hopin anyway.

[Van]

With another National Championship all but wrapped up...

[Sky]

I'm guessin if Reggie leaves (and thats more like when, not if),

What are you saying, Reggie bush can choose "if" he leaves? You mean college players don't have to leave. They can just continue to play college ball their whole life (excluding Weinecke and JWhite).

Wow, I leave for Thanksgiving weekend and when I get back the NCAA has been uprooted and people can play college sports their entire life.

[Vito Corleone]

I truely hope the USC players and coaches are as confident as their fans.

But to answer your question, who the hell knows.
If White does not leave.
If Booty/Sanchez are as good as Leinart.
If Bush does not leave.
If the defense stays healty and returns eveyone.
If you find suitable replacements for this year.

If If If you happen to beat Texas

Then I would say you stand a good chance of going for 4 in a row.

[Sirfindafold]

He was groomed for 4 years under Chow, and played 2 of those years.

'SC also has two young, accomplished coaches calling the shots: Steve Sarkisian & Lane Kiffin (Monte's kid) Both of these coaches learned from Chow as well.

Also, If there defense gets healthy next year, I don't think they'll need to score 30+ points every week to win.

[Killian]

He was groomed for 4 years under Chow, and played 2 of those years.

'SC also has two young, accomplished coaches calling the shots: Steve Sarkisian & Lane Kiffin (Monte's kid) Both of these coaches learned from Chow as well.

Also, If there defense gets healthy next year, I don't think they'll need to score 30+ points every week to win.

Learning from the master and being the master are two totally different things. Chow had experience calling a game when they were close, Kiffen and Sarkisian don't have that yet.

[Sirfindafold]

Kiffen and Sarkisian don't have that yet.

They are the number one ranked team in the country, averaging 50+ points a game.

Hope they get it soon.

[Cicero]

He was groomed for 4 years under Chow, and played 2 of those years.

'SC also has two young, accomplished coaches calling the shots: Steve Sarkisian & Lane Kiffin (Monte's kid) Both of these coaches learned from Chow as well.

Also, If there defense gets healthy next year, I don't think they'll need to score 30+ points every week to win.

Learning from the master and being the master are two totally different things. Chow had experience calling a game when they were close, Kiffen and Sarkisian don't have that yet.

Notre Dame and Fresno St werent close?

[Killian]

Notre Dame and Fresno St werent close?

2 games vs. 25+ years of experience. And I think the Trojans would agree that the ND game wasn't one of their better play calling efforts of the season.

[Sirfindafold]

And I think the Trojans would agree that the ND game wasn't one of their better play calling efforts of the season.

Yeah, only 500 yards of offense and 34 points against a traditional rival that is ranked, had two weeks to prepare to play at home, and allowed there turf to grow a foot tall. Then you factor in time of possesion.

pathetic. fire both of those pricks

[Killian]

Christ, I'm talking about the actuall calls, not production.

[Sirfindafold]

Christ, I'm talking about the actuall calls, not production.

So production is not tied to the calls being made? wtf?

Time of Posssesion:
ND - 38:40
USC - 21:20

SC had the ball for only about 1/3 of the game yet were able to put up 500 yards and 34 points. And the play calling was shit?

Are you saying that ND is over-rated and SC should of put up better offensive stats in that amount of time?

[SoCalTrjn]

Bing is only a junior, Ware and Wyatt are the seniors in USC's defensive backfield. Herschel Dennis will return next year and the one senior on the O line is there cause the sophomore who was a starter last year as a true freshman got injured this summer. Next year T2 and Sartz will return and Schweiger will be 100% to help sure up the defense, Reed and Dennis and Bush and White (if either return) should have the backfield in OK shape...(USC is also in good shape with several top HS RB recruits this year) Kirtman graduates but Hancock should be able to step in there ok.

If USC wins out the rest of this year they will still have a very very hard time to win every game next year, even if Bush and White both stay, but Im going to have a great time supporting my team no matter what happens

[T REX]

Yep...USCfan has become holier than thou. Can't wait for this bubble to burst and they can crawl back under the rocks they came from. What a bunch of asses.

[King Crimson]

if, and i mean IF, USC were to remain undefeated and win the MNC this year.....and run the table in the regular season next year they would be very close to the Bud Wilkinson Sooners' D-1 record of 47 straight wins--in fact could possibly tie it (I think) in the 2006 BCS championship game.

this is one of Oklahoma fan's most hallowed records....and was often thought to be untouchable in the manner of Dimaggio's hitting streak in terms of modern "records".

[Van]

if, and i mean IF, USC were to remain undefeated and win the MNC this year.....and run the table in the regular season next year they would be very close to the Bud Wilkinson Sooners' D-1 record of 47 straight wins--in fact could possibly tie it (I think) in the 2006 BCS championship game.

this is one of Oklahoma fan's most hallowed records....and was often thought to be untouchable in the manner of Dimaggio's hitting streak in terms of modern "records".

If I'm OU fan I'm not sweating it...

I don't think anybody can expect USC to run the table again next year with a first year starter at QB. Even Leinart (well, his kicker, actually) managed to lose one in his first year as a starter...

[Danimal]

MNC's with a newbie qb are few and far between. Last one that I can remember involved Tenn getting lucky as hell.

With a good combine White would be a first rounder IMO, wouldn't surprise me at all if he jumps.

The loss of Chow didn't really show this year because the O was so loaded and Leinart is a finished product. Next year will be tougher.

Plus the rest of the Pac10 and ND will probably be tougher next year, giving USC a bigger challenge.

USC's defense will be seasoned and improved though, should cut down on the shoot-outs.

I see a 11-1 or 10-2 season then a bowl win.

[Cicero]

^^^^^^^^

[Killian]

So production is not tied to the calls being made? wtf?

Time of Posssesion:
ND - 38:40
USC - 21:20

SC had the ball for only about 1/3 of the game yet were able to put up 500 yards and 34 points. And the play calling was shit?

Are you saying that ND is over-rated and SC should of put up better offensive stats in that amount of time?

I didn't say the play calling was shit and I didn't say that production is not tied to the calls being made. Going into that game, the two things I was worried about (besides Bush) was USC's ability to play-action because ND's safeties bit so hard all year, and plays to the tight end, which have always killed a Rick Minter defense. Now things may have changed in the second half, but I don't remember seeing any play-action and attempts deep to Smith or Jarret, and Byrd had two huge receptions. There were two phases that could have been easily exploited by USC, and they didn't just hammer it into the ground like Chow did in '02-'04.

[Van]

First win 2 NCs in a row, which has not been done. Then go for 3, then they can go for 4.

Give it up. It's really getting lame.

[Sirfindafold]

There were two phases that could have been easily exploited by USC, and they didn't just hammer it into the ground like Chow did in '02-'04.

It looks as if they did a great job of exploiting other facets of ND's defense by putting up those numbers in that period of time. I know those two coaches aren't in Chow's league, but I'll give them some credit.

Apparently you won't.

[Killian]

There were two phases that could have been easily exploited by USC, and they didn't just hammer it into the ground like Chow did in '02-'04.

It looks as if they did a great job of exploiting other facets of ND's defense by putting up those numbers in that period of time. I know those two coaches aren't in Chow's league, but I'll give them some credit.

Apparently you won't.

Do you think that was one of their best days, calling plays? It's easy to hand the ball to Bush and let him go for 145 yards. Leinart struggled all day (until the final big pass to Jarrett) and I don't think it was because of ND's stellar defense. It may have had something to do with the shot he took from ASU, but he did struggle. I wasn't as impressed with their play calling as I had been in the past. That's why I think it will catch up to them next year.

[Sirfindafold]

Maybe it wasn't one of Leinart's better games, but "struggled all day"? He threw for over 300 yards. I think any QB would take those kind of numbers on the road against a ranked opponent.

We'll have to agree to disagree on the play calling.

As far as next year goes: They won't have Bush, but they'll still have some great weapons , a great O-Line and another year's experience for Sarkisian and Kiffen.

[Terry in Crapchester]

I'm guessin if Reggie leaves (and thats more like when, not if),

What are you saying, Reggie bush can choose "if" he leaves? You mean college players don't have to leave. They can just continue to play college ball their whole life (excluding Weinecke and JWhite).

That's true.

Sincerely,

Carlos Huerta



Sorry, couldn't resist that one. But IIRC, Bush is a junior this year.

[Dumbass]

I truely hope the USC players and coaches are as confident as their fans.

Why shouldn't they be?




4 years in row? Yea I guess with a victory over Texas, SC will be the best team in the country by season's end 4 years running.
2006-2007? Oh you mean 5 years in a row?

[WolverineSteve]

^^^agree.

[Jimmy Medalions]

I think the Trojans would agree that the ND game wasn't one of their better play calling efforts of the season.

Yep.

At halftime I was cursing Lane Kiffen repeatedly.

[Mikey]

I see White staying for another year. Especially of Bush wins the Heisman, he'll want his chance to get one too. And he could.

[Jimmy Medalions]

White doesn't want to stay 'cuz the guy hates class.

Bush has a jacked up shoulder that will need surgery in the offseason, not sure how well known that is. That would be the only reason the guy sticks around. Same reason why Leinart stayed, 'cept it was his elbow.

White stands a good chance of staying, though. Not sure he's coveted enough by the scouts.

[Van]

First win 2 NCs in a row, which has not been done. Then go for 3, then they can go for 4.

Give it up. It's really getting lame.

What the fuck is lame is claiming something that isn't yours, SO FUCK YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO CLAIMS ANYONE BUT LSU WON THE 2003 NC.

How recent national champs compare with USC in total and scoring defense:
Yr. Team Total (rank) Pts. (rank)
'00 Oklahoma 278.9 ( 16 (7)
'01 Miami (Fla.) 270.9 (6) 9.4 (1)
'02 Ohio State 320.8 (23) 13.1 (2)
'03 USC 336.4 (30) 18.4 (T17)
'03 LSU 252 (1) 11 (1)
'04 USC 279.3 (6) 13 (3)
'05 USC 351 (46) 21.5 (29)

Source: NCAA

Yeah, fuck the NCAA!! What do they know about who holds their national titles??

[WolverineSteve]

Check this out!!
http://www.ncaa.org/champadmin/ia_footb ... hamps.html

I guess you've already won 3 in a row .

I think OSUfan would like to know that they also won the 1998 Championship.

Did you know there were 4 champs in '93?

Oh shit check out the maize-n-blue...1985 NC's!!

[Van]

Don't you just love how in every article written about USC this season there's always a mention of the "two time defending national champions" and something about how they're going for a "three peat"?

I rather enjoy it. I'm guessing they make Jsc bristle a bit.

:-)