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Critics are looking at the USC Trojans as the team to beat in 2007, with 18 returning starters, 10 of them playing on the Trojan's highly touted defensive team that overwhelmed Michigan in the Rose Bowl. USC's defense, anchored by pass-rushing specialist Lawrence Jackson, linebacker Rey Maualuga and safety Taylor Mays, ranked number 1 in the PAC-10 in terms of Scoring Defense, Total Defense, Pass Efficiency Defense, and Rushing Defense. In terms of the team's offense, despite losing wide receivers Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett, as well as center Ryan Kalil, USC was able to find quality personnel with All-American credentials for Heisman candidate QB John David Booty's disposal.
In the USA Today Coaches Poll, released on August 3, 2007, USC emerged number 1 with 45 of a possible 60 first-place votes. During the Pac-10 Conference media day, the Trojans were also picked as the odds-on favorites to win the conference championship for the 5th straight year.
| Key Returnees: John David Booty (QB); Sam Baker (T)
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| Key Losses: Mario Danelo (PK); Troy Van Blarcom (PK)
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| Key Acquisitions: Joe McKnight (RB); Chris Galippo (LB); Marc Tyler (RB); Everson Griffen (DE); Ronald Johnson (WR); Kristofer O'Dowd (OL)
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