Taylor Mays (AP Photo)
1. How will Matt Barkley perform as the starting quarterback for the Trojans?
One of the biggest question marks going into the season is whether or not newly appointed starting quarterback, Matt Barkley, is ready to play. Barkley, a true freshman and the number one recruit coming out of high school, will be challenged early by opponents looking to shake a quarterback, who has great talent and potential but lacks experience.
For Barkley to be successful, he will need his offensive line to be in top form and ready to provide premium protection for him. With the impending return of starting center, Kristofer O'Dowd, the Trojans should have the muscle and skill up front to give Barkley the time to make smart and efficient plays.
Another huge key to Barkley's success will be the running back committee. It seems as though USC has been stockpiling running back talent year in and year out, which is a good thing because they will be relying heavily on the impressive trio of Stefon Johnson, Joe McKnight, and CJ Gable. Even if Barkley struggles early on, there is no reason for Trojans' fans to panic, especially with USC’s talent at running back and with quarterbacks Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain waiting in the wings.
2. Can USC's defense step up after losing eight starters, including its entire linebacking corps?
The Trojans' defense took a major hit at the end of this last season as they lost eight starters to the NFL. Fortunately, USC is loaded with talent and many of its second and third string guys could very well be first-stringers on any other team. The defense will get its leadership from safety Taylor Mays, who has already gone out of his way to let people know he is going to have a “Heisman-esque” season. And you know what? I believe him. Mays will be paired up with Josh Pinkard, giving USC’s defense one of the best, if not the best, safety duos in the country. Pinkard was able to get a sixth year of eligibility after missing two years with knee injuries.
The defensive front line took a hit when projected starter Armond Armstead went down with a broken foot. The Trojans will need big contributions from Everson Griffen and junior defensive tackle Christian Tupou this coming season. One name to watch is Devon Kennard, a true freshman. Kennard was one of the most highly recruited pass-rushers out of high school and may be able to make an impact immediately in a spot-duty role with the Trojans.
Probably the biggest question mark for USC’s defense is what to do at linebacker. The Trojans lost their top four guys (Cushing, Maiava, Matthews, and Maualuga) to the NFL and must find respective replacements for each. Luckily, the Trojans have a slew of athletic linebackers ready to slide right into place, lead by sophomore Chris Galippo (2007's top rated high school linebacker), Malcolm Smith and Michael Morgan. Some fans may be concerned about the USC defense; however, with the level of talent and athleticism that Galippo, Smith and Morgan possess, the linebacker corps should be solid this coming season.
3. Will Damian Williams pick up where he left off after a stellar sophomore campaign at wideout?
Damian Williams is USC's number one receiver coming into this year and he looks to improve after an impressive sophomore season. Williams burst onto the scene with a very respectable 58 catches for 869 yards last year, and at 6'1” he possess the size and speed to have a great year.
Flanking Williams will be Ronald Johnson, a speedy deep-threat, who is reminding a lot of people of ex-Trojan and current New York Giant, Steve Smith. If Johnson can stretch the field, he will open up a ton of opportunities for Williams in the short and mid-range game.
Williams needs to get off to a good start to diversify the USC offense as well as provide security for true freshman quarterback, Matt Barkley.
4. Can USC's stable of running backs remain healthy?
There is no questioning the talent at the running back position with CJ Gable, Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight leading the way. The biggest question for the Trojans is whether they can stay healthy enough to make the game-changing plays.
McKnight is probably the most talented of the bunch, possessing an incredible burst and elusive speed; however, he has been dogged by injuries and will need to stay healthy this coming season. His contributions on special teams are another reason the Trojans need a healthy McKnight, as he provides game-breaking ability when returning punts.
It may be pretty much a given that the trio of Trojans running backs will be good. The question is whether or not the USC coaching staff can maximize each of their talents. The running game will be the focus of the offense this coming season; and, to be most successful, the Trojans will need its top-three guys healthy and ready to go for each game.
5. Can the Trojans finally run the table in the Pac-10 and go undefeated for the year?
Everyone wants to know whether or not this will finally be the year that USC runs the table and captures the BCS title. It seems like just yesterday that USC captured its last national title. However, it has been five years since the 2004 season and it is time that the Trojans live up to the expectations. Talent-wise the Trojans took some hits, losing a number of starters on both sides of the ball including quarterback, Mark Sanchez. The Trojans should bounce back strong with a younger yet incredibly athletic group of players.
Pete Carroll has not even made it into the regular season and he's already gambling with the insertion of true freshman Matt Barkley at quarterback. One big question is whether Barkley has learned enough in spring and fall practice to make the transition to top dog for the Trojans. Fortunately for Barkley, his situation in terms of talent surrounding him is a good one. Unlike Jimmy Clausen's career at Notre Dame, where he was thrust into the starting job early on as a true freshman with a not-so-talented supporting cast, Barkley has the necessary tools around him to succeed (in other words a rock-solid offensive line, an incredible group of running backs and receivers who can catch the ball). There is a lot riding on Barkley stepping up to the plate, but he may be in a position to grow on the job and be successful as well
Looking at the schedule, USC will get tested early with their September 21th road match up against the Ohio State Buckeyes. I expect the Trojans, led by Taylor Mays and an athletic group of defenders, to have the necessary speed to keep a handle on Terrelle Pryor. Ex-offensive coordinator and current Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian knows the system, but lacks the personnel to make any noise this year. Lou Holtz may be predicting that Notre Dame wins the BCS championship this season, but I'm not buying it. Look for the Trojans to put a few more nails in Charlie Weis' coffin. The three Pac-10 games that will test USC this season will be the away games against California (12) and Oregon (16) as well as the November 7th match against Arizona State. California looks to build off of last years impressive season; Oregon seems to be getting better by the day; and Dennis Erickson should have Arizona State clicking on all cylinders after last years disappointing season. The college football season is always unpredictable. However, it is not inconceivable that USC goes undefeated during the regular season.
Personally, I hope that USC is paired against Oklahoma for the BCS championship game (I've enjoyed watching the Sooners lose three straight bowl games, why not go for four).
Recent news:
True freshman Matt Barkley to lead Men of Troy
Walk-on Jordan Congdon walks into starting job at kicker
O'Dowd on the O'rebound
Training camp update: Trojans in the NFL (Part IV)
Photo finish: A look at USC's Fall Camp 2009
Mark Sanchez named starting QB for the Jets
Trojans vs. Buckeyes gets the 3-D treatment
School is back in session:
USC 101: History of the Song Girl
USC 101: Meet Pete Carroll (Part I)
USC 101: Meet Pete Carroll (Part II)
USC 101: A look at the Trojans 2009 football schedule
USC 101: The many ways to catch USC football in 2009
Comments
It is an amazing double standard. Any other team in the country would be instantly written off as a national championship contender when inserting a green, freshman quarterback. I don't know if it is blind arrogance or sheer stupidity, but the reality of the situation is that winning the conference and beating Ohio State is going to be like climbing a mountain for this team. If the freshman Q has a bad day and their opponents load up against the run, they're hosed. Then they'll be wishing that they're the '95 triple-option Cornhuskers--which they are anything but. With a freshman at the helm, this team is not in the same league as the Sooners, but it is a pretty safe bet that they won't get a chance to play them anyway, so it is a moot point. Put the arrogance aside, embrace reality, and accept that you're in a rebuilding year.
Paul, I would not call it arrogance just a nice slice of optimism pie. Look at the second and third-string QB's for USC, Aaron Corp is no slouch and last time I checked Mitch Mustain went 8-0 as a freshman starter for Arkansas. If and when Barkley self-destructs, he'll get the quick hook.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!