Published on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
By Staff Writer
SATURDAY'S OPPONENT: Virginia (9-4 in 2007)
SITE: Charlottesville, Va., 12:30 p.m.
TV: Chs. 7, 42, ESPN2
RADIO: 710, 1010, 1510 AM; also on www.usctrojans.com or Sirius satellite
VIRGINIA STORYLINE: It's been a great buildup for Virginia fans who've spent the offseason debating whether this No. 3-ranked USC team, or the No. 1-ranked 1999 Florida State team, is the best to play in Scott Stadium. Cavaliers fans wonder if the loss of players like No. 2 NFL draft pick Chris Long will allow a relatively inexperienced team, with 10 returning starters but no clear choice at quarterback, to be ready for USC. After a "more physical" preseason than normal, Coach Al Groh said playing USC in the first game is the best possible scenario. "Having three days in the middle of the season to get ready would have been an impossible task," he said.
