re: 2004 USC vs Any of the last 4 Bama Title Teams

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2004 USC was not that good. They were solid, but nowhere near the team people make them out to be. Christ, that team is so overblown, and all thanks to a shitty Oklahoma team.

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I think 2004 Auburn would have taken 2004 USC. But that 2004 Auburn team was really good too.

Here's where USC would succeed against Alabama:

- USC's defensive line was really stout that year. They would pressure Coker quite a bit, but we saw Alabama overcome that kind of pressure in this year's NC game.

- Reggie Bush could return punts, kickoffs, and go deep. Alabama would shut him down in the running game, but he would be a tough person to cover for the secondary that can give up deep balls at times.

- Leinart's accuracy was ridiculous in college. He would place balls just like Deshaun Watson did against Alabama, and Leinart had the receivers to make the catches.

Here are some stats to consider:

Scoring per game:

USC 38 to 13
Alabama 35 to 15

Rushing per carry:
USC 4.7 to 2.6
Alabama 4.6 to 2.4

Passing per game:
USC 271 to 199
Alabama 227 to 200

Total offensive yards per game:
USC 449 to 279
Alabama 427 to 276

Kick return average:
USC 23 to 21
Alabama 21 to 19

Interceptions
USC 22 to 7
Alabama 19 to 10

Sacks:

USC 50 to 25
Alabama 52 to 26

Penalty yards per game:
USC 45 to 42
Alabama 55 to 46

Use that for what you will. Looks like an even match up. Should consider that Alabama played more games than USC with any total stats (sacks, interceptions). I personally think that USC team was overrated and that Alabama would win as long as Bush didn't get any big plays.