There are few teams that can lose 10 players in the NFL draft and come back just months later and say they are going to be even better, but that is exactly what USC coach Pete Carroll is saying.

And he is probably going to be right.

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.

Harris part of an underrated secondary (Rivals.com)
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 PDT- The poster for USC's 2008 football schedule has linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga prominently...

Photos: Back to the field (Rivals.com)
Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:30:00 PDT- The Trojans returned to the practice field for their first team throwing session since the holiday break.

Oregon State Preview (Rivals.com)
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:52:00 PDT- Here's a fun fact on the Oregon State Beavers. They have won 39 games in the past five years, and only USC and...

The Peristyle Podcast (Rivals.com)
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:39:00 PDT- Episode 21: This week on the podcast we breakdown the points by quarter scored by and against the Trojans in...

Redskins, top pick Thomas agree to four-year deal
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:48:03 GMT

California Dreaming That There Are Actual NASCAR Fans In The Golden State
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:47 GMT

Niners sign Rachal
Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:52:28 GMT

Southern Cal Inside Slant
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:40:39 GMT- There are few teams that can lose 10 players in the NFL draft and come back just months later and say they are going to be even better, but that is exactly what USC coach Pete Carroll is saying. And he is probably going to be right. 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.

Southern Cal Notes, Quotes
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:40:39 GMT- --Linebacker Rey Maualuga is the cornerstone of the Trojan defense heading into the 2008 season, and he showed why with his exceptional leadership skills and tackling abilities throughout the spring. The two-time all-Pac-10 defender had 79 tackles, 10.5 for losses and six sacks last season. He might be the first player drafted next year.

Southern Cal Strategy and Personnel
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:40:39 GMT- 2008 OUTLOOK: USC looked vulnerable at times during the 2007 season. At least that is how some saw the Trojans for the first time in years. Ha ha. Considering that Trojans finished 11-2 and won the Rose Bowl, this squad shouldn't be knocked. That is the case again despite losing 10 players to the draft. The defense is going to be veteran-oriented with enough playmakers, especially in the secondary and at linebacker, to be better than ever.

PHOTOS: USC 7-on-7 Workout
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:48:05 GMT-The road to the BCS National Championship starts with hard work and sacrifice on the practice field. On Friday, the USC Trojans started the day with an early morning 7-on-7 workout. Kevin Carden was there and brings you images of the action.

The eagle has landed
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:18:02 GMT-As the names of prospects visiting the campus becomes confirmed, the anticipation only builds for what looks to be the biggest recruiting weekend in some time for the Bayou Bengals. One of the biggest names on the Tigers board is wide receiver Andre Debose, and he landed in New Orleans just a few minutes ago at 7:40 a.m.