2006 USC Trojans Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 USC Trojans season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 USC Trojans Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to bookmark our free college football lines service for the upcoming season.

Coach: Pete Carroll (6th year at USC)
Team Name: Trojans
2005 Overall Record: 12-0
2005 Pac 10 Conference Record 8-0
Returning Starters: 10

Although coach Pete Carroll is an expert recruiter, there are big questions at QB and RB with Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush gone. QB John David Booty had back surgery and QB Mark Sanchez is out due to a sexual assault charge. Also at jeopardy is the RB position-- some players are injured while others are in academic limbo.

The receiving corps looks like a winner as Dwayne Jarrett returns after a great season (91 REC, 1,274 YDS, 16 TDS) accompanied by the dependable Steve Smith. However, the Trojans offensive line is decimated, which could spell trouble for the backfield.

The defense seems to be surefire as a tough group of linebackers returns. Lawrence Jackson earned 10 sacks last season, Josh Pinkard made 41 tackles and Oscar Lua ran up a total of 66 tackles and assists.

In the secondary, Terrell Thomas, who’s coming off a knee injury, needs to be healthy. Pinkard brings flexibility to the field and twins Ryan and Brandon Ting are unyielding at safety. All of this is good news.

Last year, the Trojan’s finished the regular season undefeated. Late this season, they meet California and Notre Dame, both at home. Those are two games that can swing either way, determining USC’s post-season fate. With key loses, many question marks and a tough schedule, coach Carroll will be put to the ultimate test in 2006.

USC Trojans 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Arkansas	Road
Sep 16	Nebraska	Home
Sep 23	Arizona	Road
Sep 30	Washington State	Road
Oct 7	Washington	Home
Oct 14	Arizona State	Home
Oct 28	Oregon State	Road
Nov 4	Stanford	Road
Nov 11	Oregon	Home
Nov 18	California	Home
Nov 25	Notre Dame	Home
Dec 2	UCLA	Road

 

For more data on the 2006 USC football program, view the Trojans team website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the Pac 10 competition.