Coach: Pete Carroll | Staff In 2006: 11-2, 7-1. Defeated Michigan 32-18 in the Rose Bowl. Returning starters: 6 on offense, 10 on defense. Key losses: WR Dwayne Jarrett; WR Steve Smith; C Ryan Kalil, K Mario Danelo; LB Dallas Sartz.
2007 breakdown: Top 10 players | Outlook | Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule

Breaking down the offense

Overview: Southern California doesn't have a 1,000-yard rusher returning, and no wide receiver on the roster managed even 30 catches in 2006. But the Trojans, who have ranked no lower than 21st nationally in total offense in each of the last five seasons, aren't too concerned. QB John David Booty threw three times as many touchdown passes as interceptions in his first season as a starter and returns as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. Two-time All-American Sam Baker returns at tackle, and WR Patrick Turner projects as USC's next dominant receiver.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TOP 10

John David Booty will have a host of new targets in 2007.

1. Sam Baker, OT

2. Keith Rivers, LB

3. John David Booty, QB

4. Sedrick Ellis, NG

5. Rey Maualuga, LB

6. Taylor Mays, FS

7. Terrell Thomas, CB

8. Lawrence Jackson, DE

9. Patrick Turner, WR

10. Brian Cushing, LB

Most overrated: Four years ago, offensive lineman Jeff Byers was a five-star prospect who received seemingly every honor given to a high school player. He hasn't lived up to that tremendous hype, although injuries have been a big factor.

Most underrated: FB Stanley Havili sustained a broken left leg in 2006, but he's back and his presence figures to boost the Trojans' running game. He's an excellent lead blocker as well as a pass blocker. He's also a solid receiver, and isn't a bad running option.

Must step up: Patrick Turner had 29 receptions while playing behind Dwayne Jarrett last season. When Jarrett was unavailable for two games, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Turner stepped into the starting lineup and responded with 17 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. This is his chance to prove he can become USC's next great receiver.

Impact newcomer: If nothing else, true freshman RB Joe McKnight - a speedy five-star prospect - could be a huge threat as a kick-return specialist. Don't rule out the possibility of his getting time in the backfield as well.

Battle to watch: The USC backfield has almost as many stars as Hollywood Boulevard with 10 players who were rated four- or five-star prospects. C.J. Gable, Chauncey Washington and Emmanuel Moody all started at times last season. Several others, including McKnight, will make sure the starters perform or wind up on the bench.

New in 2007: Steve Sarkisian takes over the role as offensive coordinator and has implemented the shotgun, which coach Pete Carroll previously has resisted.

Grade the units:
QB - A: Booty was named all-conference after throwing for 3,347 yards a year ago. Mark Sanchez is a talented backup, but has limited experience.
RB - B: Depth is amazing. Gable, Washington, Moody or somebody else needs to flourish as a starter and produce the way USC tailbacks are accustomed.
WR/TE - B+: Turner has been good as a reserve and needs to show he can be better as a starter. There is no shortage of highly touted prospects to play alongside him. David Ausberry and Vidal Hazelton were both prize recruits who are ready to play. Fred Davis is a solid tight end coming off a productive year.
Line - A-: Baker heads of group of three returning starters. Last season's starting guards Chilo Rachal and Drew Radovich are back, though Radovich will move over to tackle. That leaves a guard spot and center vacant. Byers will get a shot at left guard, while sophomore Nick Howell and senior Matt Spanos are the top contenders at center.

Breaking down the defense

Overview: Some believe the 2007 Southern Cal defense could be the best in school history. That seems like a stretch considering the defensive units that John McKay and John Robinson put on the field in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, there is no debate that the Trojans defense should rank among the best. Ten starters return from a unit that was 20th in the nation a year ago.

Best player: LB Keith Rivers was a first team all-conference selection last season after leading the Trojans in tackles and forcing three fumbles. An All-American candidate, he's entering his third season as a starter on the weak side.

Most underrated: Heady and steady, S Kevin Ellison is easily overshadowed by more heralded and athletic teammates. However, Ellison proved himself as a solid player and leader in the secondary last season. Though not the fastest guy around, he still manages to make plays all over the field.

Shoes to fill: Ten returning starters don't leave many shoes to fill. However, the Trojans won't use their 3-4 "elephant" lineup as much in 2007. Going back to the 4-3 requires someone - most likely junior Kyle Moore or freshman Everson Griffen - to step in and be factor at defensive end.

Who must perform: DE Lawrence Jackson has 20 career sacks and was dominant in the second half of last season. He turned in a three-sack performance against Oregon. He'll need a strong year for USC's defense to meet expectations.

Impact newcomer: Another rush end opposite Jackson would complete the defense. Griffen, a five-star prospect rated the nation's premier defensive end prospect by Rivals.com, could fill the bill.

Position battle: The Trojans have three excellent safeties, but only two can start. Josh Pinkard was praised as USC's best player - offensively or defensively - until torn ligaments in his right knee ended his '06 season after one game. Then-freshman Taylor Mays - a genetic freak at 6 feet 4, 225 pounds and the fastest player on the team - stepped in and played like he belonged in the starting lineup from the outset. He even made some All-American teams. Meanwhile, Ellison was steady and solid at strong safety. Who will stay on the sideline? Maybe none of them. Pinkard also can play corner.

New in 2007: Look for LB Brian Cushing to move back from the line of scrimmage more as the Trojans go back to the 4-3 defense.

Grade the units:
Line - B+: NG Sedrick Ellis and Jackson have all-conference credentials. However, another consistent pass rusher is needed and the depth at end is thin.
LB - A+: Rivers, Maualuga and Cushing are all Butkus Award candidates. Most teams are thrilled to have one.
DB - A: Talented and deep, the biggest problem is picking starters. Terrell Thomas is an all-conference corner, and both Cary Harris and Kevin Thomas also have starting experience.

Breaking down the special teams

Overview: The tragic death of Mario Danelo, one of the nation's most accurate kickers, leaves USC with questions there. Junior David Buehler has only one career field goal to his credit. On the positive side, P Greg Woidneck is back to handle those chores. Gable was among the Pac-10's best at returning kickoffs last season with a 27-yard average. Punt returns haven't been exciting since Reggie Bush departed.

Grade the units:
K - B-: Buehler converted a 49-yard field goal in his only attempt of 2006. He has a strong leg and can routinely reach the end zone on kickoffs. However, his accuracy on shorter field goal attempts can be an issue.
P - B: Woidneck's punts are high, but not-so-deep. He needs to boost his 38.3-yard average per kick.
KR - A-: Gable is capable of leading the Pac-10 in kickoff returns. That is, if he can get enough attempts. McKnight, Travon Patterson and Ronald Johnson could fill that well quite well, too.
PR - C: On punts, Carroll just wants to avoid fumbles. Any yardage is a bonus. Desmond Reed averaged just 5.4 yards on returns, though he did manage a 43-yard return against Notre Dame.

Breaking down the coaching

Overview: Assistant coaches keep coming and going, but Southern California keeps winning. In fact, the Trojans have posted at least 11 victories in five of their six seasons under Carroll, who has shown he can recruit and strategize with the best of them. USC's offense ranked 94th nationally in its first season under Carroll, but has been no worse than 21st since. Meanwhile, the defense has ranked no worse than 30th nationally in five of Carroll's six seasons.

Grade the coaches:
HC - A+: Carroll has averaged almost 11 victories in his six seasons at USC. At his current pace he projects to pass John McKay as the Trojans' all-time winningest coach in about six years - if he opts to stay that long.
Off - A: Last year the USC offensive coaching staff was called "Sarkiffen" as Lane Kiffin and Sarkisian shared offensive coordinator duties. Kiffin went on to coach the Oakland Raiders, but only after Sarkisian turned down the job.
Def - A: Carroll had always been his own defensive coordinator until Nick Holt rejoined USC in February 2006. That says enough right there. For good measure, consider that USC ranked 20th nationally in total defense under Holt's supervision last season.
Special Teams - B-: Special teams coaching has been a shared duty, but how hard could it be to coach Reggie Bush to return kicks, right? This season figures to be more challenging.

Olin Buchanan is the senior college football writer for Rivals.com. He can be reached at olin@rivals.com.

MORE: The complete Rivals.com Preseason Top 50.