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But, the Trojans would be well served to cast a glance over their shoulders occasionally. It's just possible Michigan's Wolverines might be snarling at their heels from start to finish.

And, if all the pieces to the puzzle fit into place, it's entirely possible the Wolverines could be playing the Trojans (or, perhaps, someone else) in the Bowling Championship Series title game.

Despite the notion west coast teams love to throw the football around, USC tends to gravitate toward establishing a running game first, and then going to play-action passes.

The Trojans have done quite well with it, too.

With quarterback John David Booty at the controls of USC's high octane offense, it's no wonder most pre-season magazines have picked the Trojans to win it all - again.

Michigan has its own capable field general in senior quarterback Chad Henne, entering his fourth season as the starter for coach Lloyd Carr's equally dangerous offense.

Although the running game is the focal point of Michigan's offensive attack, Henne is quite capable of flinging the ball deep down the field.

His experience pulling the trigger on Michigan's offense is a major asset as the Wolverines look to remain a viable force on the football landscape.

Running back Mike Hart has a lot of heart, which makes up for the fact that he's not the biggest or fastest runner in the country. He will break off the infrequent big gainer, but is more of a grinder than a sprinter.

Plus, he seldom fumbles the ball. That endears him to a coaching staff bent on using ball control to eat up the clock, and keep the ball away from the other team's offense.

Giving the team an inside-outside combination are Kevin Grady and Brandon Minor.

Receiving core big question mark

All-American candidate Mario Mannningham is back to lead the Michigan receiving corps.

But Adrian Arrington was suspended from the team in the spring and his status is uncertain.

If he doesn't come back for fall practice, Henne will have to find another target to complement Manningham among a cast of inexperienced hopefuls.

Henne should receive excellent pass protection when he drops back in the pocket from an offensive line that returns three starters, and slimmed down to be a lot quicker off the ball last year.

Finding a replacement at center is the biggest challenge facing the coaching staff. New defensive coordinator Ron English has installed a more aggressive, attacking style that makes the Wolverines far less predictable than they were two years ago.

LaMarr Woodley's departure for the NFL leaves the Wolverines searching for a pass rusher who can put pressure on the opposing quarterback, if not take him down.

Health issues make Tim Jamison a concern taking that step up, and might lead to the staff moving Shawn Crable from linebacker to rush end, despite Michigan's obvious weakness in the linebacking corps.

Despite last year's 11-2 record, Carr is still very much on the hot seat.

Slipping back to another 7-win season could signal the end of his long, and successful career at Michigan.

Another national title, even a share of the big prize, would save his job ... or, at least, permit him step aside gracefully.