For 30 days, we're ranking the nation's best teams, starting at the bottom.

No. 13: Southern Cal

Why I like the Trojans: Matt Barkley should be better as a sophomore and he had a decent first season. As always, there is talent at running back and receiver. The defense returns two of the top three tacklers. All three linebackers return. The nonconference schedule doesn't present much of a challenge beyond Notre Dame. Hawaii, Virginia and Minnesota should mean three wins for the Trojans. Lane Kiffin did a good job recruiting and knows the program. The best teams on the schedule -- Oregon, Washington and Notre Dame -- visit Los Angeles. The team is coming off of a solid win in the Emerald Bowl. There is no longer speculation about Pete Carroll's future. He's gone.

Why I don't: Carroll is gone. But the NCAA problems aren't. The school is expected to hear the results any day now and it might not be good. That will be a problem. Barkley threw a whole bunch of interceptions last season (14). The offensive line lost four starters. So did the secondary. The kicker will be new. We're still not sure that Kiffin can win at a high level.

Tomorrow: No. 12

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