The USC Trojans have had a stormy off-season that included the defection of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, LenDale White, Dominique Byrd, Darnell Bing and a host of other starters that totals 13 in number.

While I realize that Pete Carroll is an exceptional coach and that USC is a football factory, I predict a whole lot of trouble will be headed their way in 2006. They begin their season in the south in Arkansas; for sure in some steamy and humid weather. I should also include the hostility Razorback fans will be as they are looking for payback after the Trojans steamrolled the Hogs 70-17 in the Coliseum last fall.

The latest controversy surrounding USC surfaced today when it was reported that Brandon Ting, a USC defensive back who unexpectedly left the program last week, had tested positive for steroids sources said Tuesday.

On Friday, USC announced that Ting and his twin brother, Ryan, also a defensive back, had decided to stop playing football so they could concentrate on preparing for medical school. The Tings, who are seniors, played mainly as back-ups and on special teams last season.

I find this whole scenario hard to believe as these boys are hardly suffering financially, as their father is a doctor, who has even treated Barry Bonds. As a handicapper, one of the games I am very leery of wagering on is the final home game of the year also known as Senior Day.

College athletes will tell you that senior year is a very special one and considering that the brothers lost in the National Championship game last year, you know they would want another shot at the title. They did not leave school on their own accord.

With training camp set to start this week, who knows what will come of this issue and you can expect a few more to surface before all's said and done. USC does have talent and are currently favored by 7 ½ and I think Arkansas will give them a vicious battle as the Trojans send an untested quarterback to do keep them at bay.

Carroll's troops will then have a week to re-group for they invite Nebraska to their house on the 16^th of September. Nebraska will be led by former LA Raider coach Bill Callahan who will bring a talented team that can score points. The Cornhuskers will have two tune-ups against Louisiana Tech and Nicholls State prior to this tilt.

Things could get nasty in Tinsletown if the Trojans get beheaded by Nebraska!

Bob Acton

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