2009 record: 12-1, 8-1 (1st in Pac-10)
2008 bowl: Beat Penn State 38-24 in Rose
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: 3/2
Coach: Pete Carroll (88-15, 9th year)
Offensive coordinator: John Morton (1st year)
Defensive coordinator: Rocky Seto (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 9
Returning defensive starters: 3
Location: Los Angeles
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (grass; 92,000)
Last league title: 2008
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: There’s an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions. The offensive line could be the nation’s best unit. So naturally, most of the preseason talk has been about … the inexperienced question mark at quarterback? You bet. In USC’s recent era of dominance, the quarterback always has been the headliner. There’s a bit of trepidation with redshirt sophomore Aaron Corp taking over at starter (after beating out celebrated true freshman Matt Barkley and former Arkansas starter Mitch Mustain). But after Mark Sanchez left early for the NFL, there was bound to be some bumpy moments. Corp is a dual-threat QB, an interesting twist for USC, and his weapons are the envy of everyone. The backfield is stacked — take your pick from Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, C.J. Gable and others for an elite front-runner. Damian Williams (58 receptions for nine touchdowns) and Ronald Johnson are more-than-capable targets. Meanwhile, Corp will be well-protected by a line that returns four of five starters, including sixth-year senior Jeff Byers at guard, potential All-American junior Kristofer O’Dowd at center and emerging star sophomore Tyron Smith at tackle.

Defensive: Eight starters have departed, including four who were taken on the NFL draft’s first day. In most programs, that’s devastation. At USC, it’s simply opportunity for the next wave of blue-chip recruits. Last season’s defense was generally superb, led by a linebacker corps brimming with attitude. The new cast includes sophomore Chris Galippo in the middle (for Rey Maualuga) with juniors Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith on the outside. The defensive line also lacks experience — notably, junior defensive tackle Christian Tupou had 10 starts — and would be boosted by the expected emergence of junior Everson Griffen on the edge. There are no worries in the secondary. Two-time All-American Taylor Mays returns at safety, along with fellow senior Josh Pinkard. 

Specialists: The Trojans hope junior-college All-American Jacob Harfman can handle the place-kicking and punting duties. If not, USC will go the walk-on route for either (or both) positions. The Trojans have excellent return men with Ronald Johnson on kickoffs and Stafon Johnson (or McKnight) on punts.

Coaching: Pete Carroll’s accomplishments speak volumes — seven consecutive years of 11-plus victories, BCS bowl bids, Pac-10 titles and Top 4 finishes in the Associated Press poll. Although the Trojans are no one’s pick to capture another national title, expect Carroll to rally his troops for this challenge. There are new coordinators (John Morton on offense, Rocky Seto on defense) and personnel newcomers at key positions. But Carroll’s USC tenure has been about reloading, not rebuilding.

Heisman Hopefuls: None, really. It seems strange to say for a school that has claimed seven Heisman Trophies. But USC’s quarterback position is in transition. There are too many options at the other skill positions for one to emerge as a Heisman favorite.

Game of the year Sept. 12 at Ohio State Last season’s game (USC 35, Ohio State 3 in Los Angeles) was a mismatch. The Buckeyes figure to be better-equipped for the task, so USC’s national-title aspirations could be defined by its visit to the Horseshoe.

Overview: It seems like another verse of the same old song. USC should win the Pac-10 and confirm its standing reservation at a BCS bowl game. The offense will again display firepower, while the defense, even in retooling mode, looks capable. Here’s something to remember, though. In the past three seasons, USC has been victimized by stunning upsets against heavy Pac-10 underdogs (Oregon State and UCLA in 2006, Stanford in 2007, Oregon State in 2008). Maybe those were just blips on the radar, but they were terribly uncharacteristic of the program Carroll has built. The Trojans have generally been tremendous in bowl-game performances and dominating their league. But they can’t forget about the small details. This season, it could mean the difference between very good and great.

Next up: No. 4 Oklahoma

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