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1. USC
Coach:
Pete Carroll
Last year:
11-2, including a 32-18 victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Offense:
Quarterback John David Booty is a Heisman contender. He's backed up by Mark Sanchez and highly touted incoming freshman Aaron Corp. Two-time Playboy All America Sam Baker leads the line. A half-dozen talented candidates are waiting for a shot at tailback, but the receiving corps is slightly diminished with the loss of superstars Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Six-foot-five Patrick Turner could become Booty's favorite target.
Defense:
With at least six potential All-Americans, the Trojan defense will dominate. Sedrick Ellis is a beast inside on the defensive line, with Lawrence Jackson providing a big pass rush from his end spot. Playboy All America Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing make up the best linebacking unit in the nation. With Terrell Thomas, Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison, there is no falloff in the secondary.
Schedule:
Road games at Nebraska, Notre Dame and California will be a challenge. The Trojans must be wary of UCLA in their regular-season finale.
Prediction:
USC is too good not to make a strong run for another national championship. 11-1
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