A Note on USC.

In all likelihood, Matt Barkley's Trojans will be ranked in the top-3 headed into 2012. If they take care of business, they should get a shot at the national title, and bringing home the trophy would more than validate the rising senior's decision to return to USC. Honestly, I'm beginning to think of the Trojans as my solid number one for the preseason. They always have talent across the O-line, so their golden boy will be protected, and he's got great young receivers in Lee and Woods to throw to in what should be the nation's dominant passing offense. The running back spot might seem a little less established with Curtis McNeal competing against some underclassmen, but rest assured that whoever established them self at starter will be a great compliment to the pass game. The defense is a little lacking, finishing at 54th overall, but that was mainly due to a sieve like secondary, manned by two sophomores and a freshman, that gave up passing yards in chunks. This season, with some experience under their belt, things should be more tightened-up. It will also help that Stanford and Oregon will not be the offensive powerhouses they were in 2011. Honestly, the most likely stumbling block to the Trojans' success is probably their head-coach. He is always a potential hazard it's not implausible for him to do something to ruin the season in Southland. But even Junior seemed a little more even keeled, a little more tight -lipped, and - dare I say it - increasingly competent over the back half of last season. All in all, I think it could translate to a great year in L.A.

Also, never, ever, feel bad for Matt Barkley:

(Twitter)