T1B

Oregon. For the first time since offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford left to coach California, the Ducks will have a wickedly balanced offense. As if Oregon didn't have enough weapons, wait until freshman tailback Jonathan Stewart runs around the Autzen Zoo for the first time. Maybe, just maybe, the Ducks will sneak by You-Know-Who when no one expects it.

If USC doesn't go to the Rose Bowl, it'll mean it lost to (in order of biggest concern to no concern)...
- Sept. 24 at Oregon - Trouble. At Autzen is as dangerous as it gets in the Pac 10. If the Ducks catch fire like it did in 2003 against Michigan, this could be the game that ruins USC's third straight dream year. The veteran quarterback factor for Oregon with Kellen Clemens makes this really, really scary.
- Nov. 12 at California - Despite what I wrote above, part of me thinks this might be a blowout with USC jacked up after having to listen to how Cal should've won last year.
- Oct. 1 at Arizona State - Assuming USC wins at Oregon, the ASU matchup will be one of the biggest games early in the season. The Sun Devils have a puncher's chance in what'll be a shootout.
- Oct. 15 at Notre Dame - The could be more dangerous than anyone thinks after the last few blowouts. Even though they can't hang talent-wise, the Irish should have the kinks worked out by this point.
- Dec. 3 vs. UCLA - This is always a tough rivalry game. A Bruin win would hardly be a shock after losing 29-24 last year.
- Sept. 17 vs. Arkansas - This would be a landmine at Arkansas, but USC is unbeatable at home.
- Nov. 19 vs. Fresno State - This could be dangerous if the Trojans take their foot off the gas after beating Cal.
- Oct. 29 vs. Washington State - In Pullman, maybe. Not in L.A.
- Oct. 22 at Washington - Nope. The Dawgs aren't back yet.
- Nov. 5 vs. Stanford - The Cardinal played the Trojans tough last year, but it'll be a blowout this time around.
- Oct. 8 vs. Arizona - The Wildcats won't have nearly enough firepower to keep up.
- Sept. 3 at Hawaii - No worries. Hawaii is in rebuilding mode and needs several weeks to jell.

It's no coincidence that Leinart didn't get rolling against Virginia Tech until Xavier Adibi, who was having a monster game, left with a torn biceps. He only threw for 164 yards (but with two touchdowns) against Cal and Ryan Riddle (who finished with 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss). He only threw for 205 yards against Oregon State getting sacked twice by star pass rusher Bill Swancutt (the fog is no excuse since OSU's Derek Anderson threw for 330 yards). That's why Tennessee's front four, Auburn's ends and NC State's defense would likely give USC's offense a hard time. So by the good-pass rush theory, who does USC have to worry about on its schedule? Oregon. Devan Long, strong safety Anthony Trucks, and Haloti Ngata could make things interesting.

JayDuck wrote:I am gearing up early for this one....I got my tickets for it, and plane tickets all set. Funny enough, this game is one week after my bachelor party and I am marrying a girl who is an 'SC grad and season ticket holder. We are getting married on a Friday in the fall (October 21st) when both 'SC and Oregon have away games, because there wasn't a weekend that both 'SC and Oregon had a bye. The wedding is on Friday night and then everyone is invited back on Saturday with big screen TVs set up in a few rooms for a BBQ and football.

MiketheangrydrunkenCUfan wrote:Rack your girl for agreeing to the Friday wedding.

Left Seater wrote:But since she seems to enjoy college football as much as you do why is the wedding in the fall again? Hello, summer or mid December?

Just wondering?