Ask Farrell: Will USC's new offense lead to a turnaround?
If you buy the preseason hype, USC’s retooled offense is going to play faster and be more productive, playing into the strengths of the superstars on that side of the ball.
Quarterback JT Daniels was a five-star. Receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns were five-stars. Receiver Michael Pittman was in the five-star discussion. A host of running backs including had elite rankings.
New offensive coordinator Graham Harrell has put up big numbers wherever he has been, and now is implementing a fast, spread offense will allow the Trojans to overwhelm opponents with speed and talent.
On defense, there are talented young players ready to make an impact, including a group of five-stars in the secondary.
USC might get back to its winning ways.
MORE ASK FARRELL: Is this the season Georgia takes down Alabama?
If you don’t believe the hype, then some players on offense were overrated. The offensive line will remain a major issue. The secondary is unproven and the linebackers have not lived up to expectations.
And a brutal early-season schedule could dampen any excitement. The season starts against Fresno State and then Stanford, at BYU, Utah, at Washington and at Notre Dame is on the schedule before October.
If things go poorly, many expect coach Clay Helton to be fired. There are all kinds of rumors about Urban Meyer possibly being interested in the job but that could be simply wishful thinking at this point.
We ask Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell if he sees a complete turnaround for USC this season because of the new offense or if the Trojans will continue to disappoint, leading to a coaching change and a new regime at USC.
FARRELL'S TAKE
"I think the Trojans will continue to disappoint because I don't know how much they want it and how willing they are to play through adversity for a coach who could get fired. I can see the team shutting down a bit if it suffers an early loss or two and limping to the finish despite the awesome talent on the roster.
"The offensive line concerns me a great bit and beyond the defensive front, there are issues. Can Daniels and his receivers put up enough points to make up for a defense that won't be very strong? Can they keep him upright? These are questions that need answers and I'm not a believer in USC right now."