The USC Trojans never could get things turned around in a positive direction for more than one isolated season under former coach Lane Kiffin. As a result, the program turned to former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as its new head coach. The Trojans are banking on the ability of Sarkisian to use his great familiarity with the program to his advantage. Boosters and a lot of alumni wanted Sarkisian to be the next USC coach after Kiffin’s messy departure. That scenario did come about, and now it’s time for Sarkisian to prove that he’s up for the job.
Strengths
The Trojans’ best unit is the defensive line. Leonard Williams, provided that he doesn’t get injured or run into any major off-field trouble, will collect a hefty NFL paycheck on Sundays next season. He’s extremely skilled, but what’s more is that he and his fellow defensive linemen for USC possess great stamina. USC’s depth has been an issue in recent years because of scholarship limits imposed by the NCAA back in 2010. USC’s frontline players have had to play more snaps and have not had the luxury of being able to sit out for longer periods of time to catch their breath during games. Williams held up well last season, and that kind of physical fitness should really aid USC in tough times during the 2014 season. USC is not going to be an easy team to run the ball against. This is the number one reason the Trojans have a real chance to win the Pac-12 South Division.
Weaknesses
The Trojans’ lack of depth, as mentioned above, will be a key issue. USC is a team with quality starters, but not a lot of players on the depth chart who can back them up. If injuries hit Williams or receiver Nelson Agholor or linebacker Hayes Pullard, who are the nerve-center kinds of players at their various positions on the USC roster, the Trojans will take a huge hit. This team just doesn’t have much of a margin for bad breaks. The inconsistent passing of quarterback Cody Kessler should also be a concern. Kessler made some progress last season, but he might need to be great if USC is going to win its division and beat out the likes of UCLA and Arizona State.
Schedule
The Trojans have to visit Stanford in week two. That’s going to be a very difficult game to win. Hosting Arizona State will mean a lot in the Pac-12 South race, as will a visit to UCLA in late November. Road games at Utah and Arizona are thorny, and a season finale against Notre Dame should be a challenge. USC got a few breaks in some respects, but not in others. It’s a mixed kind of schedule for the Trojans.
Outlook
The Trojans will probably lose to Stanford, Arizona State, and UCLA. After that, their season comes down to whether it can take care of business against less visible and powerful opponents. USC is going through major transitions this season. That might be what keeps the Trojans under the total.
Pick: Under 8.5 at +128
