This game is so up in the air. Last year we had a good idea that USC would be playing Texas, now its a complete toss up. My Guess would be Ohio State-West Virginia at this point. SEC teams will all knock eachother out.... like usual. I hope to god im wrong and my Gators make a run. Go Gators!!! BEAT THE VOLS
Certainly Ohio State looks like a prime candidate, but I just don't think either WVA or Louisville will be the other team. I think there is a good chance it could be USC or Auburn. And I know this seems outlandish but Texas could run the table from here on out and be a contender. The Ohio State/Mich game and ND/USC games will be huge in determining things.
I just heard Lee Corso of the Gameday crew say California was his choice to beat USC. ?????????????????? They got wiped out in their first game. But Notre Dame still plays USC.
I see USC Ohio State <t>IMHO, they are the two best teams in the country. Behind that, Auburn/Florida and then there is that grouping of teams like WVa, Louisville and Boise State. I dont see anyone beating those 3.<br/> <br/> However, after watching all teams, I'd say USC looks best and Ohio State is the close 2nd..<br/> <br/> Yes, it hurts to say those words</t>
And it's nice to see the Gators figure in this conversation for the first time in a few years! Gator Bill
Its hard to believe that USC could be back in the hunt so quickly. Their building a dynasty in South Cal.
They have recruited extremely well and are in a position of reloading at this point. The thing about them is that they continue to recruit incredible high quality depth, at a lot of schools when you had a guy like Lineart at QB it would have been hard to recruit another top QB, but they recruited 2 in a row and the kid they got this year is pretty darn good as well. And where else could you find the depth of young TB's that they have at USC. Pretty amazing. And while they don't have to leave home for many guys, they are pretty competitive when they come to your state after a top player. Pete's big problem is managing all the off the field issues.
i sat here depressed last night <t>not because the Irish took a beating from Michigan, that happens. It all comes out in the wash over one's lifetime.<br/> <br/> What bothered me was watching the Trojans in the national primetime game of the week. They didn't care. They were sleep walking thru the game. This was gosh flipping damn Nebraska who came to town looking to prove a point and re-establish itself as a (on field and recruiting) presence in Southern California. USC barely bothered with them. Toyed with them really. Didn't open up much offensively. They played rather close to the vest (although I dont think much of their offensive scheme) and let that all-world defense beat down on the Huskers for 4 quarters. If it weren't for the sea of red and the N on their helmets, i would've thought it was New Mexico down there on the field. USC looked so much better than them. Sadly for me to say, their defense is the key IMHO. Carroll plays a lot of funky schemes and tries a lot of things with depth etc to get players time. However, when they want to put the clamps on you, they do it. The Huskers played with heart and pride.<br/> <br/> To the Trogs, they were but a gnat on the windshield.<br/> <br/> Carroll has finally done what we've warned you all for so long about. He's put a stranglehold on the best SoCal talent and now he's just throwing cards out on the table. Very McKay-esque (sans the personality, charm or coaching ability)</t>
Corey, you are correct on only one of three attributes. I never thought McKay had much personality, and definitely no charm. Of course, I viewed him through blue and gold eyeballs.
Here's the funny thing, so many ND fans want to make fun of Carrol. Call him a glorified cheerleader, the poodle. They said once Chow was gone the USC offense would crater, when that didn't happen they said it was because Lienart was still there and he was like a coach on the field. I wonder when people are going to admit, Pete Carrol may have been a mediocre Pro Coach but he's a great college coach. He knows how to use the natural advantages that he has with tons of talent in the immediate area, academic situation that allows him to recruit 100 of the top 100 players, L.A. Scence, girls, social life, etc. Unless he lets things get out of control and gets put on probation, USC is going to be a top 5 team as long as he is their coach. Personally I think he'd be stupid for even thinking about moving back to the Pros if offered. Terry