Trojans Face Spartans in the Coliseum

We're baaaack . . . for game one baby!

The 2009 season is about to jump off with more story lines than a Hollywood screenplay. But this ain't the movie "300" or "Gladiator"! This is Trojan football versus the San Jose State Spartans in the legendary Coliseum.

Let's get it crackin'!

San Jose State

Offense

It was a tough season for the Spartan offense in 2008. They only averaged 18 points per game, less than 100 yards rushing per game and less than 200 yards passing per game. But the hope is that returning QB Kyle Reed is another year older and wiser, and the offensive line is tougher after getting a couple of injured former starters back. Running back Patrick Perry returns after missing all of 2008, plus speedy Brandon Rutley will be a big part of the Spartan attack after gaining about 400 yards last season. WR David Richmond (72 catches, 7 TDs in '08) will be the big play receiver on the outside.

Defense

The Spartan defensive line was very solid in 2008, but they need to replace a couple of good players this season. Linemen Carl Ihenacho will be the leader, returning from a big 2008 in which he had 18.5 TFLs and 7 sacks. The linebackers are the strength of the defense with leading tacklers Travis Jones and Justin Cole manning the middle. The secondary is rebuilt and young. Safety Duke Ihenacho will lead the back four after posting 5 INTs in 2008.

Special Teams

The kicking game is up in the air for the Spartans as they have to replace their FG kicker with either a true frosh or JC transfer. Punter Phil Zavala is back, but must improve on a 36 yard average. The return game will be led by RB Brandon Rutley who averaged over 26 yards per return on kickoffs.

USC

Offense

The Barkley era begins! The first true frosh to start at QB in Trojan history goes to work on Saturday, and Matt Barkley is the guy. What must he do? Job numero uno is protect the football ... then spread the ball around to the athletes at RB, WR, and TE. The OLine is veteran and terrific (even without center Kris O'Dowd). Joe McKnight will start at RB, but Stafon Johnson, CJ Gable and Allen Bradford will all get carries. WR Damian Williams is a proven playmaker, and TE Anthony McCoy is ready for a big season after a strong Fall Camp.

Defense

SC doesn't rebuild, it reloads. And the defense is reloading with new starters in the front (7), but a veteran and talented secondary. DE Everson Griffen returns for what should be a big year. MLB Chris Galippo leads the LB core with new starting OLBs Malcolm Smith and Mike Morgan. Safety Taylor Mays patrols the DB unit that will strike fear into every opponent they face.

Special Teams

SC replaces it's FG kicker with Jordan Longdon, a transfer from Nebraska who is very accurate 40 yards and under. Billy O'Malley takes over the punting duties, with Jake Harfman kicking off after Trojan scores.

WR Damian Williams is the new starting punt returner, while CJ Gable assumes the familiar role of kickoff returner. Gable will be joined by redshirt frosh jitterbug, Curtis McNeal.

Prediction:

USC - 31

SJSU - 3