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{Trojans v Tide} Can USC hang with Bama? Anyone like USC +335


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"USC came in below expectations are year ago, but maybe a fresh start and stability is just what they need to get off on the right foot this season.

 

Losing to Stanford in the Pac-12 championship and then the Holiday Bowl was not what USC had in mind for the end of their 2015 season, but it’s not surprising given the turmoil they went through. Constant upheaval with the coaching staff was bound to haunt them at some point. Now though events have had a chance to settle down and fans are eager to see how things go without so many distractions weighing the team down. Here is the 2016 college football preview.

 

 

Key losses

 

Su’a Cravens

Cody Kessler

Max Tuerk

Kevon Seymour

Of course the most notable loss for the Trojans is Cody Kessler. His exit leaves a major question mark at the quarterback position. Now 6’5” junior Max Browne is set to take his place. The center taking the snaps is also a consider loss with Tuerk while the defense is sure to miss the steady presence of Cravens and Seymour. Being one of the most prominent programs in the country means USC must deal with these sort of losses all the time, but it’s never easy to get over them.

 

Key Returns:

 

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Adoree Jackson

Justin Davis

Zach Banner

The fact that both Smith-Schuster and Jackson are juniors makes it not all that surprising they’ve returned for another year but that doesn’t mean it’s unwelcome. Those two are currently projected as 1st round picks in the 2017 draft, and for good reason. Smith-Schuster is easily their biggest playmaker on offense with his mix of quickness and agility. Jackson might be their most versatile player, pulling double duty as their top corner and also their second best receiver. Justin Davis ran for over 900 yards and scored seven touchdowns while mammoth tackle Zach Banner expects become a fixture for their ground attack as well.

 

Biggest Story Line:

 

There is no doubt fans are anxious to see what new head coach Clay Helton will do in his first full season. He took over in 2015 under less than ideal circumstances when former coach Steve Sarkisian was fired due to ongoing alcohol problems. Helton has been with the programs since 2010 when he started as their quarterbacks coach. He’s taught football at the college level since 1995 and is a former quarterback himself. Will he be the one to finally put the Trojans back on top of the college football mountain?

 

Most Important Games:

 

September 3rd: vs. Alabama

September 23rd: at Utah

November 5th: vs. Oregon

November 19th: at UCLA

There is no bigger test for a new head coach and his transitioning team than having to face the defending national champions right out of the gate. USC was dealt that tough card as they will host Alabama in a primetime matchup. Next is a visit to Utah, a team that is notorious for being an underrated but stingy opponent that is well-coached and disciplined. Of course one can’t leave a huge rivalry tilt at the start of November against Oregon and their always dangerous offensive attack. Finally, they must return to the Rose Bowl to deal with rising star quarterback Josh Rosen and UCLA."

 

http://nflmocks.com/2016/08/10/usc-trojans-2016-college-football-preview/

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"USC Trojans 2016 Preview

Odds To Win National Championship: 25/1

 

The USC Trojans finished last season with a record of 8-6, but was able to get to the PAC-12 Championship Game. USC also lost to Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl by a score of 23-21.

 

Overview: Clay Helton and the USC Trojans have a good amount of talent, but will have to replace their star quarterback. USC had a decent season last year, but lost 3 of their last 4 games. This season, USC will be looking for a new quarterback and will need their defense to improve. On top of that, USC has a very tough schedule, which starts against Alabama to open the season.

 

 

USC Trojans 2016 College Football Preview, Schedule, Prediction, Depth Chart, Outlook

 

USA TODAY Sports

Offense: Tee Martin and the USC Trojans offense will look to replace quarterback Cody Kessler this season. Last year, the USC offense averaged 33.9 points per game with 168.2 rushing yards and 269.7 passing yards per game. Max Browne is expected to be the starting quarterback this year, after serving as the backup for past seasons. USC has a very talented running back due, with Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis, who combined for over 1,800 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, leads the USC receivers. USC also returns Steven Mitchell Jr., Darreus Rogers, and Adoree’ Jackson at receiver. The offensive line remains the same as last year, which will play a big part in getting the new quarterback adjusted to playing.

 

 

Defense: Clancy Pendergast and the USC defense will need to improve from last season in order to have more luck this season. The USC defense gave up 25.7 points per game with 149.3 rushing yards and 251.5 passing yards per game last season. Cameron Smith was second on the team in tackles last year with 78 and 3 interceptions, and will be returning at linebacker this year. Chris Hawkins had 70 tackles and 2 interceptions last season and will return at defensive back. Adoree’ Jackson, who was previously mentioned on the offensive side of the ball, also plays defensive back for the Trojans. The defensive line is an area of concern for USC, as they are inexperienced and young, for the most part.

Special Teams: USC will have to replace their kicker and punter this season, after losing both positions from last year. Adoree’ Jackson will return as the kick returner, after averaging 23 yards per return last season.

Outlook: USC has a talented roster, but the quarterback position remains a big question mark. It doesn’t help that their first game is against Alabama, meaning the quarterback, Max Browne, will be thrown right into the fire. USC’s success this season will rest largely on Max Browne, and how long it takes for him to feel comfortable with the offense."

 

http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2016/08/09/usc-trojans-2016-college-football-preview-schedule-prediction-depth-chart-outlook#C0WosWLU46jQt0oC.99

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