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5. USC
Coach:
No college coach in the past six years has been more successful than Pete Carroll. A few of USC's accomplishments under Carroll: two national championships, six Pac-10 titles, six consecutive 11-win seasons. USC has had three Heisman Trophy winners, produced 30 first-team All-Americans and 42 NFL draft picks. The best news for USC fans is that Carroll declined a handful of NFL head-coaching opportunities in the off-season.
Last season:
11-2, with a decisive Rose Bowl win over Illinois, 49-17.
Studs:
A host of excellent athletes graduated, but USC has a busload waiting in the parking lot. The strength of this year's team, at least initially, will be the defense, which is led by linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. Safeties Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison are also outstanding. On offense, tailback Joe McKnight, only a sophomore, is certain to turn heads.
Scoop:
Carroll needs to settle on a quarterback to replace graduated John David Booty. Mark Sanchez, who started three times for an injured Booty last year, will be challenged by Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. Word is Carroll is going with Sanchez. Just as important, Carroll will have to mold an offensive line from mostly new faces; only starting guard Jeff Byers returns.
Prediction:
11-1
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