Green QB, RBs -- nothing new for the talented Trojans

                    

	Dwayne Jarrett Robert Beck/SI USC 2005 Record 12-1 (8-0 Pac-10) Final AP Rank 2 Returning Starters 10 (4 offense, 6 defense) Last National Title 2004 The Contenders Auburn Michigan Cal Nebraska Clemson Notre Dame Florida State Ohio State Georgia Tech South Carolina Iowa USC Louisville Utah Miami West Virginia

By Stewart Mandel, SI.com

Why USC can win it all: Pete Carroll's program still has more talent at its disposal than any other team, including All-America WR Dwayne Jarrett, O-lineman Sam Baker, DE Lawrence Jackson and the nation's deepest linebacking corps. The offense still has plenty of weapons, and the defense, plagued by injuries last year and torched in the Rose Bowl, should regain its dominant form.

What must fall into place: New starting QB John David Booty (or Mark Sanchez) will be asked to deal with tremendous pressure. A couple of reliable running backs (most likely Chauncey Washington and freshman Stafon Johnson) need to emerge from a group of highly touted but untested candidates. The secondary must improve from last year.

How it could go wrong: For a team breaking in a new quarterback and other starters at key positions, the Trojans' early schedule presents potential "trap" games at Arkansas and Arizona and a home date with Nebraska. If Booty or Sanchez struggles with his reads in USC's pro-style offense, or if the Trojans fail to develop a running game, all the talent in the world won't matter.

Good omen: USC also opened the 2003 season with a new starting quarterback (Matt Leinart) and little to no experience at running back and ended up winning the AP national title.

Top Photo Galleries Rafael Nadal Through Time Did You See That? 100 Memorable Olympic Moments The NHL's Great Game 7s Best Players Without An NBA Title

Most Popular Stories Jessica Lucas; Jon Beason calls out Alex Smith for knocking Cam Newton: Hot Clicks Darren Eliot: Rangers-Devils Game 6 preview Jessica Rafalowski; Snoop Dogg Tebowed after throwing first pitch: Hot Clicks Dater & Muir: Debating hot Stanley Cup playoff topics Miami AD: Hurricanes remain 'committed to the ACC'