John,  I agree with most of what you said, but do you think that U.S.C. dodges anyone? I don't!  Common!  They lost two games by a total of about 7 points? They play in the Pac 10, which may not be the best, but not a slack conference, by any means.  They schedule Notre Dame EVERY YEAR, AND S.C. had plenty of down years.  They schedule the Carolinas the Georgias, the Alabamas,  the Nebraskas, at times when those programs were very healthy!  Do not think that U.S.C. "dodges" anyone.  I agree with you playoff scenario and I am sure Pete Carrol agrees with BOTH of us.  Thanks, and all in fun!

T.K.