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| | Wednesday, August 30 Rose Bowl or bust for Trojans | |||||
| By Ed Graney Special to ESPN.com Season notes: 1999 record: 6-6, 3-5. Coach: Paul Hackett, third season, 14-11. Starters returning:14 (6 offense, 8 defense). Outlook: Opportunity is knocking, and Hackett believes his group of seniors will open the door to embrace it. "They want to make a statement," he said. "They want to make a difference." There is no better defense in the conference and few nationally, than the one led by linebackers Zeke Moreno (6-foot-3, 240) and Markus Steele (6-3, 215) and tackle Enis Davis (6-4, 300). Speed defines the group, which could potentially be bullied up front by the likes of Penn State and Notre Dame. But if this is indeed a team of champions, several must step up offensively. Sophomore quarterback Carson Palmer has the tools of a pro, but he also missed most of last season with a broken collarbone. He must remain healthy and prove potential is reality. "Carson has been teasing us for two years now," Hackett said. "He now has a new understanding and appreciation for being healthy and working hard. He needs to step up." The receiving corps, even with R. Jay Soward departed, is in good hand with sophomore burner Kareem Kelly. USC is trying to return to a time when its offensive line dominated all comers. It's off to a decent start. Four starters return this season, and the Trojans signed 25 linemen the past two years. Keep an eye on: Junior cornerback Chris Cash. He was the nation's best JUCO corner last year, and his importance sky-rocketed once it became apparent senior Antuan Simmons (who had surgery in May to remove an abdominal tumor) wouldn't play. The 5-11, 170-pound Cash needs to hold his own among so many talented defenders. It's a good season if: USC wins the conference and returns to the Rose Bowl for the first time in five years. Hackett overhauled his staff in search of correct chemistry, knowing the pressure to produce sits squarely on his shoulders. The Sun or Aloha Bowls won't do for bitter and hungry alums. If USC spends Christmas in a place like El Paso or Hawaii, Hackett might as well not board the flight home. Ed Graney covers college football for the San Diego Union Tribune. |
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