Lane Kiffin said it was possible USC would be a more dangerous team against Oregon because the Trojans are going to be motivated coming off a loss.
I tend to agree but probably for a different reason: I’m not sure Kiffin could handle being ranked No. 1 in the preseason or enjoyed the burden of high expectations. His often-tight persona does not lend itself to a loose, high-flying drive to a BCS title.
He’s more of a stiff, CEO type that would rather grumble about distractions than make sure his team doesn’t care about them.
So that is why USC played better last season: No pressure.