CNN/SI - 1999 College Football Conference Previews - CNN/SI's Southern Cal team preview

The Trojan War

Southern Cal ('98: 8-5, 5-3 Pac-10)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 06:09 PM

The Plot

Year 2 of the Paul Hackett regime should produce better results, especially with budding star QB Carson Palmer with a season's experience under his belt.

The Director

Paul Hackett -- second year, 8-5; 21-25-1 overall

Starring

OL Travis Claridge -- Has started every game of his college career.
RB Chad Morton -- Exciting scatback was second in league in rushing yards per game.
QB Carson Palmer -- Emerged as starter in last five games of true freshman season.
WR R. Jay Soward -- One of the nation's most exciting and versatile threats.

Co-starring

DT Ennis Davis -- Formidable front wall of Pac-10's No. 1-ranked defense.
CB Antuan Simmons -- Will get more press with Daylon McCutcheon in NFL.
DE/LB Sultan Abdul-Malik -- Led team in sacks last two years.

And introducing

RB Sultan McCullough -- Redshirt freshman is one of fastest players in nation.

Why it will work

The Trojans have an NFL-proven coach and are strong at three skill positions, with nine starters back on offense.

Why it won't

With Chris Claiborne and McCutcheon gone, the defense can't be as good as in '98.

Our critics' review

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