Our Robyn Norwood has this look-ahead piece on the University of Southern California's chances for a national championship as it comes out of a two-year post-seaon ban imposed by the NCAA. From her story:
LOS ANGELES – Two years after getting hammered by NCAA probation, Southern California is one of the preseason favorites to nail down a national championship.
And USC— voted No. 3 in the preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll — grew even stronger this week with Penn State running back Silas Redd's announcement he would transfer to USC, taking advantage of the same opportunity to leave and play immediately that prompted some players to leave the Trojans when probation hit in 2010.
Redd's arrival eases concerns about running back depth, giving the Trojans two 1,000-yard rushers with Redd and Curtis McNeal behind quarterback Matt Barkley, a Heisman Trophy contender who has 1,000-yard receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee as targets. It is a move that makes USC's rebuilding project appear complete much sooner than some expected. The Trojans' major concerns? The defensive line and a lack of experienced backups if injuries hit at critical positions, including quarterback.
The two-year bowl ban is over, but the impact of 30 fewer scholarships over three years remains a factor for USC.