Bill Haber / AP

There's very little difference in the talent level of LSU's 2007 national championship team and this year's one-loss team, writes Matt Hayes.

4. It's the plan, people
Pete Carroll says he knows why USC was gashed by Oregon in last week's humiliating loss: a poor "plan" by him and his defensive coaches.

While it's admirable that Carroll is accepting responsibility (too many coaches don't), the reality is it wasn't a specific plan that hurt USC. It was, as we all predicted prior to the season, an inexperienced defense being exposed by a finely-tuned and well-run offense.

Because if it were one "plan," as Carroll says — if one specific scheme caused USC to whiff numerous times last week and give up more than 600 yards — apparently the "plans" against Oregon State and Notre Dame didn't work too well, either.

This is what happens when your defense is completely gutted and rebuilt. It takes time for first-year starters to understand all the nuances of each offensive set, and to be able to react without thinking during a game. It happens everywhere in college football — we just never thought we'd see it with bulletproof USC.

The Trojans will get better this week at Arizona State, which is 77th in the nation in total offense and 70th in scoring offense. It doesn't have the skill players to push the USC defense, and doesn't have an accurate passing game.

But there are games down the road against multiple offenses (Stanford, Arizona, bowl game) that could give USC its first three-loss season since Carroll lost six in his first year at Troy in 2001.

5. Look at me!
So the WAC has gone and done it: They've hired a public relations firm to fully explain the beauty that is Boise State.

I don't know how much the WAC is paying the firm of Scott Peyron and Associates, but they can pay me half that and I'll come up with talking points that can't be debated:

• The Oregon team that everyone in the nation is ga-ga about? Boise beat the Ducks silly in Week 1. Oregon had 613 total yards and 47 points against elite USC. The Ducks had 152 yards and eight points against Boise.

For those who think Oregon is playing better than anyone right now, is it possible that Boise State is playing better now, too?

• The Broncos have won 21 of their last 22 games, with the only loss by one point against TCU. And for those who scoff at TCU, the Frogs led Utah — the same Utes that beat mighty Alabama — with a minute to play last fall before losing.

• The last time Boise State was given an opportunity to play a BCS heavyweight in a bowl game — with a month of preparation — it beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Any other questions, please see Mr. Peyron and his team.

SportingNews.com Lots of hype, hope _ and Dion Lewis _ for Pitt 6 teams with something to prove Rutgers looking for bigger and better bowl in 2010 After the fall, a new subdued era at USC It's what's up front that counts for Buckeyes

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