Southern Cal Inside Slant
by Sports Xchange
The Trojans are the odds-on favorite to claim the 2008 season national championship even though 10 of their top players were taken by the NFL. Returning are a slew of tailbacks still, a powerful front line and a defense that could be even better than last season.
"The defense can be very solid for us. We expect them to play fast and aggressive," Carroll said. "They play with a lot of energy and are a very physical group. We feel they are experienced. Other than the nose tackle spot, I feel we are coming into the season with a good savvy group that knows what we are doing and gives us some flexibility."
The secondary of a defense that returns seven players stands out even more.
"(It) really has a chance to be the best we've had," Carroll said.
The Trojans, coming off an 11-2 season, just have to score some points, and that usually isn't a problem for a team with six straight top-four finishes, BCS bowls and Pac-10 titles.
This time quarterback Mark Sanchez takes the helm, and with him are plenty of other future pro prospects.
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