Usc Shoes

USC finished the 2007 campaign with a 11-2 record capped by a convincing 49-17 victory over Illinois in the Rose Bowl. Southern Cal ranked second in the nation in scoring defense, as they allowed just 19 points per game. They also have the second highest national total defense, as they allowed only 273.2 yards per game. Two losses in October (at home against Stanford and Oregon) ruined their bid for a perfect season and national championship.

This season, the quarterbacking duties will be handled by junior Mark Sanchez. Sanchez won the job in spring over Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain. Sanchez has started only three games this upcoming season. The former National Councillor preparation Player of the Year threw seven touchdown passes and five interceptions in limited duty last season.

USC has a body depth of talented running backs, Stafon including Johnson, CJ Gable and junior known super sophomore Joe McKnight. Johnson ran for 673 yards on only 98 carries last season for an average of 6.9 yards. He also collected five touchdowns. Rear Havilah Stanley, a solid receiver and blocker, should also contribute to the USC rushing attack.

Vidal Hazleton and Patrick Turner returns as the starting wide receivers. This unit needs to improve the performance of last season. They should get help from Damian Williams, another Arkansas transfer, and Ronald Johnson. All-America winger Fred Davis has gone to the NFL, leaving junior Anthony McCoy to help fill the big void left by the departure of Davis.

Only one starter returns to the offensive line last year and who is left guard Jeff Byers. The good news is many newbies in this group saw the great time playing last season because of injuries last year's entries. Kristofer O'Dowd Centre has played very well last season filling for the injured Matt Spanos. Charles Brown, Zack Heberer and Butch Lewis has also received much playing time because of injuries to starters.

Head coach Pete Carroll specialty is defense. I mentioned some of the achievements of 2007 USC defensive earlier. This year, the group has the speed and athleticism at all levels and should also put up impressive numbers.

All-America candidate Rey Maualuga returns at linebacker and former Rose Bowl MVP Brian Cushing returns to strong side linebacker. Kaluki Maiava should be the new starting weak-side linebacker for a unit that should be among the best in the country.

It gets even better. Coach Carroll believes that this year's secondary could be the best he has ever trained. Everything starts with 6'4 "225 pounds of free safety Taylor Mays. Strong safety Kevin Ellison, an All-PAC 10 pick last season, combined with Mays to form what could be the best safety tandem in the nation.

The biggest loss for this defense is the start of PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year Sedrick Ellis. Ellis, a nose tackle against last season, is off to the NFL. Averell Spicer and Christian Tupou have big shoes to fill trying to replace Ellis. The rest of the defensive lineman Fili Moala is another side to the spot and freshman All-American Everson Griffin and Kyle Moore at the ends.

The two kickers, punter and placekicker David Buehler Greg Woidneck, back after a solid 2007 CAMPAIGNS. Southern Cal should get excellent kick return of the trio of McKnight, Gable and Ronald Johnson.

In 2008, the Trojans will be trying to win 11 games and make BCS bowl game for the seventh consecutive season. QB Sanchez will have much to do with whether or not USC achieves that goal. USC schedule are easier than they had last season. Most games are difficult at home, including Ohio State, Oregon and Arizona State. I expect USC to challenge for a spot in the BCS National Championship game.