I really think that USC is a top 5 team, but not the best team. I would take LSU or OU over them right now. You talk about their talent, which is tops in the nation, but look at Michigan. They always recruit well and have many 4yr starters returning this season and they are horrible. Talent isnt everything, you have to have a good staff and players that are willing to play smart and put it all on the line.
When I look at our team I see a whole group of players who have a lot to prove to people. Look at Keller, Purify, the O-line, Bowman, Octavien, Ruud, Grixby, and so on. They are all trying to prove something, maybe that they can play without injury, or that they are not to small or slow for a position. When you look at that it makes for a very dangerous team.
USC on the other hand thinks they are the best of all time and if a player doesnt get playing time he is leaving to go somewhere else. This game reminds me a little bit of the 96 game against ASU. We went in as clear favorites, playing at ASU, and should have easily handled them. Instead we went in expecting to win an easy game against a nobody team and got buzzsawed by an up and coming team with nothing to lose.