The USC football team will hit the ground running on Sept. 3, traveling to a neutral site, Arlington, TX, to face Alabama, the defending national champions.

The following week they host a good Utah State team on Sept. 10. It does not get any easier for the Trojans because they go to Stanford on Sept. 17, to play the defending Pac-12 champion Cardinal.

Staying on the road, they play another Pac-12 contender, Utah, on Friday, Sept. 23.

“We have the opportunity to perform at the highest level, that’s why you come to USC,” said Coach Clay Helton at the Pac-12 Media Day in Hollywood.

“At USC, the bar is set high. It’s all about championships at USC. We are excited to play the national champions (Alabama). This season will be about competing, and that’s what USC is all about, competing.”

Helton has a good feeling about this team. “Our team has a little chip its shoulders. Our players are working really hard this summer, especially on fundamentals.

“We are concentrating on playing physical tough football.”

The Trojans are returning nine starters on offense and five on defense. The offense will be led by wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, running backs Justin Davis and Roland Jones II and offensive tackle Zach Banner. Leading the defense will be cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and linebacker Cameron Smith.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com