Should USC Win The National Title?

"I don't think anybody can beat the Trojans. I think we can beat anyone we play," declared USC head coach Pete Carroll.

And who's to say he's wrong?

After dismantling Big Ten champion Penn State in the Rose Bowl, the Trojans look as impressive as ever. The USC defense, the best in the nation, held the Spread HD of Penn State to only 7 points inthe first half while virtually eliminating playmaker Derrick Williams. The Trojan offense was nearly unstoppable, led by Mark Sanchez's 4 touchdowns and Damian Williams' stellar receiving game, racking up 474 total yards of offense.

If anyone questioned the Trojans, all doubt should be gone now. But a new question should be raised: Do the Trojans deserve the #1 spot?

The big knock on USC throughout the season was that the Pac-10 was having a down year and wasn't as strong as power conferences SEC and Big 12. But in the bowl season, the Pac-10 went 5-0, with wins over the media darling Mountain West and the high-powered Big 12.

Now with the conference's perceived weakness debunked, shouldn't USC receive more credit for their conference wins? USC's 34-point win over Oregon is the shining moment in USC's season (other than their 32-point win over Ohio State).

The Trojans lone blemish was their road loss to Oregon State on an electric Thursday night in Corvallis. An early season road Thursday night conference game against a hungry team is far better than a home loss to Ole Miss (Florida).

I still believe that Oklahoma is the best team in the nation and if they win the BCS Championship game on Thursday, they should be #1. And if they don't, USC should be.

And if you disagree, ask Pete Carroll.