Blindly looking at how teams have done in past years is an incomplete outlook, particularly when it comes to any preseason poll. USC is unranked as things stand at the moment.
An important aspect that needs to hold more weight during this portion of the season when evaluating teams needs to include the factor of roster carryover from the past season.
Especially when it comes to the quarterback's relationship with the wide receiver corps, having continuity and not needing as much time to develop chemistry and continuity can often serve as a great advantage heading into a season.