Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/109499
signing day, when USC fell from No. 1 to No. 14 in 247Sports' ranking, running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu was fired. Wideout Robert Woods and cornerback Nickell Robey bypassed their senior years to turn pro. Notable: In 2012, USC was the first team since Mississippi in 1964 to begin the year No. 1 and then finish unranked. The Trojans were the first preseason No. 1 to finish with as many as six losses (Ole Miss was 5-5-1). Summary: This is not about talent, highlighted by wideout and Heisman candidate Marqise Lee among the 15 returning starters (eight on offense and seven on defense). USC has had three straight top-five recruiting classes under Kiffin from 2010-12. It's whether the attitude can improve under the maligned Kiffin. He turned around a disappointing 8-5 debut in 2010 to a No. 6 finish in 2011. Can he do the same in 2013? Upset Specials 5. Arizona State (8-5) Top Offseason Note: Consensus All-American defensive tackle Will Sutton (23.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in 2012) announced he will return for his senior year. He and outside linebacker Carl Bradford (20.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks) headline eight returning starters on a defense that led the nation in tackles for loss (9.0 per game). Notable: In its four Shamrock Series off-site games, Notre Dame's average margin of victory has been 28 points, and never less than 24. Summary: In 2012, under first-year head coach Todd Graham — whose Tulsa team won at Notre Dame in 2010 — ASU recorded its first winning season since 2007. The veteran defense has star power, while QB Taylor Kelly had a stellar sophomore year, finishing ninth nationally in passing efficiency and rushing for 516 yards. A lot of junior college transfers might also provide a quick fix. 6. Pitt (6-7) Top Offseason Note: Although head coach Paul Pittsburgh running back Rushel Shell returns next season after rushing for 641 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman behind erstwhile starter Ray Graham in 2012. photo courtesy pittsburgh Chryst was considered a top candidate for the Wisconsin job (where he had been the offensive coordinator), Pitt didn't have to search for its fifth head coach in four years. Fact: In Brian Kelly's last five games versus Pitt, he has squeaked by with 28-21 and 45-44 victories at Cincinnati in 2008 and 2009, and then 23-17, 15-12 and 29-26 (in triple overtime) wins at Notre Dame. Summary: The Panthers return the most defensive starters (nine) on the 2012 Irish slate. The unit took Notre Dame to the wall last year and finished 17th in total defense. Elite running back recruit Rushel Shell might be a mainstay after rushing for 641 yards as a freshman behind the departed Ray Graham. 7. Michigan State (7-6) Top Offseason Note: Of the six Big Ten players to turn pro early, three were from Michigan State: running back Le'Veon Bell (1,793 yards rushing), tight end Dion Sims (36 catches) and defensive end William Gholston (13 tackles for loss). Notable: Notre Dame has not defeated the Spartans