Texas Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The USC Trojans and Texas Longhorns meet for the first time since they met in the BCS National Championship in 2006. A lot has changed since quarterback Vince Young led the Longhorns to an upset 41-38 over the USC Trojans.

Since then, both programs have taken some steps backwards. Now, they look to get back on the right track as successful football programs.

The Trojans only return four starters from last year’s offense, but they’ve reloaded tons on the recruiting trail. They return their starting quarterback (Sam Darnold) and running back (Ronald Jones II).

Darnold took on the starting quarterback job last season when things were looking glum for the offense. He came in to start 10 games and throw for 3,086 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 67.2 percent passing. He went on to win the 2016 Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year Award. The Longhorns will need to be on alert for Darnold, who has his eyes set on a Heisman this season.

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Jones II rushed for 1,082 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 177 carries last season. He returns as the leader out of the Trojans’ backfield on offense.

The Trojans have some holes to fill on the defensive front, though. Sunia Tauteoli and Kavika Luafatasaga have the linebacking corps set for a productive season. The secondary is what needs to retool to keep pace in the pass-heavy Pac-12.

The Texas Longhorns will have their hands full on defense with the Trojans, but fans could be in for a shootout. The edge goes to the experienced Darnold in a shootout.

Final: USC 35, Texas 21 (2-1)