LOS ANGELES - Here’s a scary thought for the college football world: Southern California coach Pete Carroll believes the Trojans will be improved on offense.

That’s difficult to fathom, considering USC scored seven touchdowns and rolled up 525 yards in overpowering previously unbeaten Oklahoma 55-19 in the Orange Bowl in January to secure its second straight national championship.

The Trojans, who open the season Saturday at Hawaii, have fielded one of the country’s top offenses each of the past three years, averaging 38.2 points in going 13-0 last season; 41.1 points in going 12-1 two years ago, and 35.8 points in going 11-2 in 2002.

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart returns along with USC’s five leading rushers and four top receivers.

Little wonder Carroll feels the way he does.

“This is the best group we’ve had based on the experience and the big production from the receivers and the running backs and, of course, the quarterback,” Carroll said Tuesday. “I think the continuity is very special. We have Matt at the helm, and the offensive line intact.”

Among the other returnees are Heisman finalist Reggie Bush and LenDale White, a potent 1-2 punch at tailback; wide receivers Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett; and tight end Dominique Byrd.

“They might be the best offensive team I’ve seen physically,” Hawaii coach June Jones said on a conference call.

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Jones said former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville told him recently he hoped USC didn’t bring its mascot, Traveler, to Hawaii because “he might die from exhaustion.”

Traveler, a white horse, gallops down the Coliseum sideline whenever USC scores.

“I’m glad we don’t have to go against them — that would be a headache,” defensive end Lawrence Jackson said of the USC offense.

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Center Ryan Kalil said he has no doubt the USC offense will be improved.

“Especially in the run game,” Kalil said. “I think we’re going to do a better job of coming out earlier. We’re definitely a finishing team. We’re a lot more confident offense than last year, a lot more experienced offense.”