The USC Trojans will face Fresno State in their 2014 season opener at home. They will look to brush aside the distractions that have befallen them this past week.
No. 15 USC has dealt with negative publicity in the past week with cornerback Josh Shaw being suspended indefinitely for lying about saving his drowning nephew after falling over a balcony.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has also been accused of racism by running back Anthony Brown, who quit the team.
They will look to put that behind them as they open their season at home against Fresno State, who they defeated in the Las Vegas Bowl.
Despite their rough week, the Trojans have 16 returning starters and a new head coach in Sarkisian. Quarterback Cody Kessler settled into the USC offense later on in the 2013 season and looked great in the Las Vegas Bowl, so he is poised to have a breakout junior season.
Starting wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Darreus Rogers are both returning along with running back Javorius “Buck” Allen. Key defensive players such as defensive end Leonard Williams and safety Su’a Cravens are coming back as well.
The Bulldogs will have to adjust to life without quarterback Derek Carr and wide receivers Davante Adams and Isaiah Burse. Brandon Connette will look to make the offensive transition smooth for the Bulldogs. Head coach Tim DeRuyter enters his third season with a proven track record in making the Bulldogs a winning program.
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