ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings 2012

1. USC
The Trojans return from a two-year bowl ban with a team many people think is capable of winning the national title. There is a lot of offensive firepower, led by Heisman Trophy-favorite quarterback Matt Barkley, who is joined by pair of 1,000-yard running backs (counting the recent transfer of Silas Redd from Penn State), a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and four offensive line starters. The back seven of the defense also returns intact. Depth issues could be a factor due to sanctions-imposed roster limits, but with 19 total returning starters (including kickers), there still is plenty of talent to make a run. USC faces Oregon at home Nov. 3 and could play the Ducks again in the Pac-12 title game Dec. 1. -- Garry Paskwietz, WeAreSC
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ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.


