Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White are off to the NFL. All those national championships, Pac-10 titles and Heisman Trophy awards are history at Southern California.
But for those who think the Pac-10's balance of power has shifted, USC coach Pete Carroll offers a recent reminder.
When Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, star running back Justin Fargas and all-American safety Troy Polamalu left an Orange Bowl-winning team in 2003, Leinart, Bush and White were there to step in. And they put together one of the great three-year runs in college football history.
"We find ourselves in a position where we were a few years back," Carroll said. "Three years ago we lost our quarterback, a running back and many other key players and we are now facing those same issues again. Hopefully we will respond just as well."
USC won two national championships, three conference titles, two Heisman Trophy awards and went 37-2 the last three years — falling seconds short of a third straight national title.
Now it will be up to returning receiver Dwayne Jarrett, new quarterback John David Booty and a linebacking corps led by Keith Rivers to keep the Trojans at the top of the conference.
"It's inevitable when you lose Leinart, Bush and the other monster back there (White), they'll search for a little bit," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. "The thing people don't realize is their defense will be much improved. They'll be able to hold the fort down while they get their offense on track."
USC will get plenty of challenges. Stoops is building a strong team at Arizona, Oregon returns its entire offensive line and quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf from a team that averaged 34.5 points last season. Stanford, Washington State and Arizona State all have experienced passers returning.
But the biggest test again could come from California, which beat USC in 2003, lost narrowly in '04 and was blown out a year ago. The Golden Bears hope this will be the year they end their nearly five-decade Rose Bowl drought.
They feature the nation's best running back duo in Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett.
POWER RANKING 5:
Conference favorite: USC
Surprise team: Arizona, Oregon State
Overrated: Arizona State
Best game: USC at Calif9rnia (Nov. 18)
Heisman hype: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
Deseret Morning News staff
AP Sports Writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.