Now USC Needs To Lose To Notre Dame

This is a reply to my own article of a few days ago.  In the article, I suggested USC take a step back this year. When I say that, I in no way, suggest that the program is in decline.  I actually don't want that because it is in Notre Dame's best interests for USC to be good just like it is in USC's best interest for Notre Dame to be good. My whole point was that last year, USC had the best college defense I have ever seen. Now a lot of it is gone. They not only lost all the great linebackers, but other key guys such as Fili Moala. On top of it all, Quarterback Mark Sanchez left early as well. That just seems like an awful lot to lose and not take a little hit. I do not expect them to free fall because they definitely have talented players replacing them. USC doesn't rebuild, they reload. They reload as good as any program in the country. However, this year they are reloading a lot. It really shouldn't be that shocking to think they lose a couple more games than normal ... (link)