[gocard14]

I don't really get the SC hype train. They were a good team that has a very good returning QB but lost key parts throughout the roster, especially in the OLine. While they recruit well, they are no longer the juggernaut with 5 stars across the two deep. They beat an average to pretty good WMU team in unimpressive fashion, consistent with a good but not great team. Quite frankly, the only teams that have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to reloading talent+coaching are Alabama and Ohio State. USC has neither the talent nor the coaching on that level.

Compare this to us, a pretty good team last year that lost an elite RB and D lineman but little else, has recruited well, and has a more consistent track record of coaching and success in the last decade. Our first game was against a weak opponent, but showed no cause for concern.

I'd call this game a toss up, mostly because it's at SC and Chryst hasn't been tested against a good team on the road. SC no longer has a talent or athleticism advantage against us.  If it were at home I'd give us the advantage. We're I a betting man, I'd say thank you very much and take us and the points. 

[gocard14]

I don't really get the SC hype train. They were a good team that has a very good returning QB but lost key parts throughout the roster, especially in the OLine. While they recruit well, they are no longer the juggernaut with 5 stars across the two deep. They beat an average to pretty good WMU team in unimpressive fashion, consistent with a good but not great team. Quite frankly, the only teams that have earned the benefit of the doubt when it comes to reloading talent+coaching are Alabama and Ohio State. USC has neither the talent nor the coaching on that level.

Compare this to us, a pretty good team last year that lost an elite RB and D lineman but little else, has recruited well, and has a more consistent track record of coaching and success in the last decade. Our first game was against a weak opponent, but showed no cause for concern.

I'd call this game a toss up, mostly because it's at SC and Chryst hasn't been tested against a good team on the road. SC no longer has a talent or athleticism advantage against us.  If it were at home I'd give us the advantage. We're I a betting man, I'd say thank you very much and take us and the points.