USC Vs Alabama in Dallas....

Now that 'roundball' is done....thank goodness, we can get to real sports...FOOTBALL...

First off, despite being a long time Trojan fan, I am a big admirer of the Tide. I have seen first hand the incredible support Alabama gives their team.

I'm not really 'up' on all aspects of the Crimson Tide regarding this HUGE game.

From a Trojan perspective, I see this game as the most important game since the Trojan-Longhorn championship game.

It is the first game of the season and will have a huge audience nationally. 'Bama' is right there as an elite/top five, at least, program and the recruiting reflects it. USC is on the slowish recovery process from the NCAA 'shaft' they suffered.

A win by the Trojans would put them right back amongst the elite, recruiting-wise, immediately.

On paper, the Tide has the edge. The O-line/running game is world class....

However, the Trojans can win this game! If coach prepares in a similar fashion as coach Carroll did. Very intense training camp and comes out of the gate flat out better prepared. Carroll's OOC record is unbelievable.

Next, stack the box and stop the Tide's running game. Even eight men. That leaves one on one coverage on the recievers! The Trojan secondary is a returning group and experienced. I believe this will be the first start for 'Bama's QB and with pressure his timing will not be established as it will later in the season. The Tide can be stopped with sufficient pressure and well drilled coverage.

Offensively, the Trojans are a match at the skill positions with any team in college football. Some fast and early scores forces the Tide out of a predominately run based offense.

Yes, the Trojan QB will also be a first time starter. if it's Max Browne, it will be his senior year....

So if your a wagering individual and the spread is more than, say, 3+, take the Trojans and the points.

The Trojans need this win more than 'Bama does.......

Thoughts?

They didn't get shafted by the ncaa, they broke the rules and paid the price.
This will be a good game tho, if I were a betting man I would be hard pressed to choose USC over Bama tho.
Not to say they can't win, I just wouldn't bet on it.

a reply to: Sremmos80

Yep, rules were broken. Now compare what the Ducks got for their penalty and compare it to the Trojans....That is a shaft.


On paper, I'd agree, outcome wise. The Trojans are close enough....and in the toughest conference in football....arguably, to out-fox the Tide....perhaps.

a reply to: nwtrucker

Ya won't deny that others others didn't get hit as hard, but Idk if I call that a shaft.
Also agree that the Trojans have a shot, it isn't over till the clock hits 0 in the fourth so we will see.

a reply to: nwtrucker

APs top 25.............collegefootball.ap.org...

I hate Bama...........but ill take them for the win.

Even though my favorite team (Gators) are an SEC team, I really hate the fact that all these "neutral site" games are still held in what is basically SEC territory.

I want the Trojans to win not because I don't like Alabama, but I don't like Saban

USC isn't even a real team. There's no football in Hollywood.

a reply to: Tarzan the apeman.


You know what you can do with a pre-season poll, don't you....LOL.

They've made the safe and reasonable picks, as usual. I suppose Bama deserves that ranking.
However, the first game? That's never a given. Especially against a quality opponent. SC will still not be up to their full scholarship level, mainly due to blue shirts.


Bama can be had in this game. Saban has the ability
and the recruits to fix anything that comes...but it has to 'come up' before he can 'fix' it. That would be that first game...

originally posted by: IridiumFlareMadness
USC isn't even a real team. There's no football in Hollywood.

Hmm, must be a Husky fan....

a reply to: nwtrucker

I would love to see USC win, I'm still putting my money on Bama. I would like nothing more than to see Bama loose a few games this year.

originally posted by: Tarzan the apeman.
a reply to: nwtrucker

I would love to see USC win, I'm still putting my money on Bama. I would like nothing more than to see Bama loose a few games this year.

The point spread will be a huge factor....

Point of Order:

Dallas is actually more Big12ish country than it is "SEC land." They play the Red River Rivalry there at the Cotton Bowl on the Dallas Fairgrounds all the time. Just 'cause A&M went to the SEC doesn't make the entire state SEC land. Baylor (rapey grumble), Texas Tech, and UT (BIG grumble), and TCU are all Big 12ish.

Granted it's easier travel for Alabama fans because of the lack of mountains, but you Trojan fans are all rich and can fly right? How else can you explain anyone's ability to continue to live in California.

In other words, while fandoms do spill over, you are in fact going into neutral territory because there is a lot of not-SEC fandom in and around Dallas.

a reply to: ketsuko


Meh, Dallas is too damn close to Austin. You never know what your gonna get outta that crowd......

Anything below the mason Dixon line is SEC country.

I want to see my Gators take on Michigan State, Michigan or Ohio State in their house in November. Let's do a home and away. The Gators are coming back!

originally posted by: mymymy
Anything below the mason Dixon line is SEC country.

I want to see my Gators take on Michigan State, Michigan or Ohio State in their house in November. Let's do a home and away. The Gators are coming back!

Hmmm, L.A. is below the Mason-Dixon line.....