2012-13 Football Previews – (Pac 12) – USC Trojans
The high expectations are back at USC. Over the last couple years the program has been in a minor slump after the NCAA punished the program in a big way, but Lane Kiffin’s Trojans are loaded and ready to go in 2012.
PAC 12 Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: USC Trojans
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin
2011 Record: 10-2
USC Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win BCS Championship: +300
USC Gambling Odds from BetOnline to win PAC 12 Conference: -180
USC Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
When Matt Barkley announced he was coming back for another season, the Trojans instantly became the oddsmakers favorite to win the BCS Championship. Gone is the postseason ban, and the Trojans are ready to go to work.
For this team to be right back at the top of the polls in the preseason says a lot about the job Lane Kiffin has done recruiting and building up this team despite some difficult circumstances. Many wondered how long it would take USC to get back to the top, but it appears they’ll have a chance to do it this year.
USC knows that preseason rankings don’t many anything in the long run. This team has to take care of business on the field.
Team Strengths:
The quarterback position is a major area of strength with Matt Barkley coming back for his senior season. Barkley has the chance to make himself the clear number one pick in the 2013 NFL Draft if he improves again in 2012. He attempted all but one pass for USC last year, and as long as he stays on the field again in 2012 this position will be all set. Barkley completed 69.1% of his passes and had 39 touchdowns compared to just 7 interceptions last year.
USC has the best one-two punch at wide receiver of any team in the nation. Robert Woods and Marqise Lee are both standout wide receivers who can pile up some huge numbers. Woods caught 111 passes last year, and Lee caught 73 in his freshman season in 2011. With Barkley under center, this guy will have some gaudy stats in 2012. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The secondary is the strength of the defense. Senior T.J. McDonald is the leader of this unit. He’s an early favorite for the Thorpe award in 2012. Depth is a major strength for this group, where the Trojans have plenty of experienced stars and several talented newcomers.
Team Weaknesses:
Overall team depth isn’t what it used to be at USC, because of the NCAA violations and subsequent sanctions. The Trojans really need to stay healthy this year, because there are several areas where the team just doesn’t have much depth. The defensive line is the best example of an area where USC will rely on youngsters, and they don’t have many options coming off the bench.
The running back spot has some talent, but there is almost no depth there. Curtis McNeal and D.J. Morgan are ready for action, but that is where the experience ends. The running backs need to stay healthy.
2012-2013 USC Trojans Football Prediction: 12-1
USC has a pretty favorable schedule in 2012. The Trojans have an easy non-conference schedule, and they get Oregon at home. Keep an eye out for games at Utah and Washington for potential road blocks. I really like this team, but I think their depth is an issue. I think USC gets to the BCS title game, but loses to a deeper team.
2012 Southern Cal Schedule
9/1/12 TBD SJST
9/8/12 TBD DUKE
9/15/12 TBD USC
9/27/12 9:00 PM ET @WASH
10/6/12 TBD ARZ
10/13/12 TBD @NOTRE
10/20/12 TBD @CAL
10/27/12 TBD WSHST
11/3/12 TBD @COL
11/10/12 TBD OREST
11/17/12 TBD @ORE
11/24/12 TBD @UCLA
