The USC football team has enough talent to stay at the top of the Pac-12 and the national rankings.

Sam Darnold is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Roland Jones ll heads a group of outstanding running backs.

Troy’s defense is fast and strong.

USC will put those talents on display on Saturday afternoon in the 2:15 opener against Western Michigan in the Coliseum.

The No. 4-ranked Trojans should score easily against Western Michigan.

However, they might want to save some points for the following Saturday when meeting Stanford at the Coliseum at 5:30.

As for tomorrow afternoon, quarterback Darnold will be throwing to Deontay Burnett who caught 13 passes and scored three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl game last January. Steven Mitchell Jr., Jalen Greene and Michael Pittman Jr are the other receivers.  Several incoming freshmen played well during fall practices. So the Trojans look solid at receiver.

Helping out Jones in the backfield will be Aca’ Cedric Ware, Dominic Davis, James Toland lV and freshmen Stephen Carr and  Randal Grimes.

Daniel Imatorbhebhe will start at tight end, backed up by Tyler Petite, Cary Angeline along with freshman Josh Falo.

The offensive line will be anchored by Viane Talamaivao, Nico Falah and Toa Lobendahn.

The Trojan defense is loaded., starting with linebackers Cameron Smith, Porter Gustin and Uchenna Nwosu.

Leading the way on the defensive line will be Rasheem Greene, Josh Fatu, Malik Dorton and Kenny Bigelow.

In the defensive backfield USC will rely on the play Iman Marshall, Marvell Tell lll and Chris Hawkins.

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