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I got this from *******:
USC: The only thing negative about the 2003 USC campaign is that it had to share half of the national title with LSU. The Trojans' weaker schedule a loss at Cal eventually left them out of the BCS title game and into a Rose Bowl dual with Michigan. They were up to the task against the Wolverines and finished the season at 12-1, covering 11 of those 13 games! For 2004, USC may have to go unscathed or face a similar fate, as the BCS formula frowns on soft schedules. USC's may be the lightest of any serious contender. This team still remains the class of the Pac 10 though after consecutive dominating seasons. QB Matt Leinart is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy and the Trojans boast three all-American candidates on defense. They'll face a stiff challenge right out of the gate at Virginia Tech.
VIRGINIA TECH: One thing that is easy to do is to overreact to teams' returning players. That could easily be the case with Virginia Tech this season, as it returns just nine total starters from the 8-5 2003 team. In truth though, this team has been designated in "rebuilding" years several times in the past decade and has won at least eight games in 10 of the last 11 seasons. However, the five losses they suffered last year was their most since 1997, and their defensive stats and turnover margin were as poor as they've been in many years as well. The Hokies will need to regroup behind the playmaking of senior QB Bryan Randall. Though geographically sensible, the move to the ACC could prove harmful to Tech, as it has enjoyed a winning record historically over only UNC, NC State, Virginia and Wake.
******* Steve:
Very difficult first task for USC here, traveling across country to take on a perennial national power. As an 18 point favorite no less! There are a few reasons why I'm leaning on the Hokies here against the number.
1. While USC has been dominant the last two years (all the trends confirm this), it has only been 2 years. This year they've lost 10 starters from that elite group. Is the next group on the same level? Tough to live up those standards.
2. V Tech is always a fast starting team, it's the end of the year when the Hokies fade. They've started the season at least 5-0 every year since '97!
3. Finally from the ******* EDGE annual, USC is 5-14 ATS in its L19 vs teams averaging 200 yards rushing or more per game. This type of team is the only one to give USC trouble.
V Tech can and should run the ball. I think they have enough playmakers, Randall in particular, to stay in this one.
USC: The only thing negative about the 2003 USC campaign is that it had to share half of the national title with LSU. The Trojans' weaker schedule a loss at Cal eventually left them out of the BCS title game and into a Rose Bowl dual with Michigan. They were up to the task against the Wolverines and finished the season at 12-1, covering 11 of those 13 games! For 2004, USC may have to go unscathed or face a similar fate, as the BCS formula frowns on soft schedules. USC's may be the lightest of any serious contender. This team still remains the class of the Pac 10 though after consecutive dominating seasons. QB Matt Leinart is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy and the Trojans boast three all-American candidates on defense. They'll face a stiff challenge right out of the gate at Virginia Tech.
VIRGINIA TECH: One thing that is easy to do is to overreact to teams' returning players. That could easily be the case with Virginia Tech this season, as it returns just nine total starters from the 8-5 2003 team. In truth though, this team has been designated in "rebuilding" years several times in the past decade and has won at least eight games in 10 of the last 11 seasons. However, the five losses they suffered last year was their most since 1997, and their defensive stats and turnover margin were as poor as they've been in many years as well. The Hokies will need to regroup behind the playmaking of senior QB Bryan Randall. Though geographically sensible, the move to the ACC could prove harmful to Tech, as it has enjoyed a winning record historically over only UNC, NC State, Virginia and Wake.
******* Steve:
Very difficult first task for USC here, traveling across country to take on a perennial national power. As an 18 point favorite no less! There are a few reasons why I'm leaning on the Hokies here against the number.
1. While USC has been dominant the last two years (all the trends confirm this), it has only been 2 years. This year they've lost 10 starters from that elite group. Is the next group on the same level? Tough to live up those standards.
2. V Tech is always a fast starting team, it's the end of the year when the Hokies fade. They've started the season at least 5-0 every year since '97!
3. Finally from the ******* EDGE annual, USC is 5-14 ATS in its L19 vs teams averaging 200 yards rushing or more per game. This type of team is the only one to give USC trouble.
V Tech can and should run the ball. I think they have enough playmakers, Randall in particular, to stay in this one.
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