The 2008 season is here! And not a moment too soon.
The USC Trojans battled an off-season filled with some injury and uncertainty, but now all of that is behind them. A healthy QB in Mark Sanchez, exciting running backs and a stifling defense
looks to power SC to another BCS bowl win and maybe more. And it all starts in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 30th.
So without further delay . . . drum roll please . . . Its breakdown time!
Virginia Cavaliers:
Offense - An offensive unit that saw its 2-year starting QB dismissed from school this past off-season is now led by QB Peter Lalich - a sophmore who saw limited action last year and who has never started a game. He'll be backed by two solid running backs in Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson - an inside/outside combination that helped lead Virginia to 9 wins in 2007. The WR unit also gets a huge boost with the return of playmaker Kevin Oglesby. The TE spot is a key weapon for the Cavs, and John Phillips will be a frequent target of QB Lalich. The OLine unit has a couple of experienced Tackles in pro prospect Eugene Monroe and Will Barker. But the interior Guards and Center are new as a starting unit, and may hold the key to the Cavs' offensive effectiveness.
Defense - The Cavs rebuild their 3-4 defense with an all new starting three on the DLine. But the LBs are vets, led by MLB Jon Copper and OLB Clint Sintim who is the team's returning sacks leader. The DB unit has a rangy CB in 6'2 Ras I-Dowling, but a short CB on the other side in Mike Brown who only measures 5'9.
USC Trojans:
Offense - The return of QB Mark Sanchez from a minor knee injury was a huge shot in the arm to an offensive unit that was uneven in Fall Camp. Its Sanchez's team to act as a distributor to RBs like Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, CJ Gable and Allen Bradford. The WRs will have a large rotation, and vets like Vidal Hazleton and newcomer Damian Williams have a chance to give Sanchez confidence by catching everything. The OLine is not inexperienced, but their time together has been short. Leader OG Jeff Byers added stability with his return late in training camp, but talented new starters like Charles Brown and Zach Herberer must prove their worth.
Defense - This unit could be devastating. Speed, skill and bone crushing hits are this unit's calling cards. Vets like DT Fili Moala and DE Kyle Moore are leaders on a DLine that is awaiting the coming out party of talented youngsters DE Everson Griffen and new NT Averil Spicer. The LBs are illegal - and Cushing, Maualuga and Maiava are probably the best unit in the country. All of this said, the DB unit is actually the deepest unit on the team with safety Kevin Ellison as the QB of the defense.
Outlook - Like all first games of the year, there is a lot that will be learned. Virginia will find out if the three new starters on its interior OLine will be ready against tough opponents. The Cav QB Lalich will have to figure out a way to make smart decisions and not turn the ball over vs. SC's defense. Look for the Cavs to employ a ball control offense with short throws to WR Oglesby and screens/swing passes to RB Simpson, as well as up the gut runs with RB Peerman. The key is to keep QB Lalich in the shotgun and keep his uniform clean for as long as possible. On defense, the Cavs will have to support its new DLine with strong LB play to get pressure on SC's QB.
SC is looking to learn what its offense is capable of efficiency-wise. Areas to watch are the run game up the middle behind O'Dowd and Byers, as well as SC's ability to strike downfield to the WRs. And on what could be a slick and wet playing field, QB Sanchez's mobility and ball protection on snaps should be scrutinized. SC is looking for a clean game - low penalties and no turnovers would make everyone happy. These things in combination with SC's defense should give SC a solid opening day win.
Prediction:
SC - 27
UV - 6
