ESPN.com Insider KC Joyner thinks folks are over-hyping USC at the expense of Oregon, which he seems to view as the Pac-12 favorite. Or at least co-favorite.

But he doesn't just assert. He supports his position with seven thoughtful reasons.

His main points:

• Oregon's offensive losses are not as great as generally thought.
• The USC pass offense has consistency issues.
• USC's defense has similar consistency issues.
• USC has a young shutdown cornerback, but so does Oregon.
• USC took a bigger offseason hit to its pass rush than did Oregon.
• Oregon's defense is better at forcing opposing offenses into mistakes.
• Oregon's schedule strength is very similar to USC's.

You'll have to read the article to learn how he supports these points, but I think USC's status as Pac-12 favorite and national title contender hangs on four issues.

• The Trojans need to stay healthy, particularly quarterback Matt Barkley, running back Curtis McNeal and both lines.
• Who replaces Matt Kalil at left tackle?
• The Trojans have questions on the defensive line.
• Can the Trojans overcome a longstanding tendancy to have at least one game a season when they just don't show up?

The defensive questions are legit, but keep in mind the Trojans' young linebacker are fast and talented, and the secondary has a chance to be the best in the Pac-12.

Still, I think you can reduce it to this: If USC stays healthy on offense, it will be able to outscore just about anyone, and that will overcome defensive questions.

Will it be enough to overcome Oregon on Nov. 3 in the Coliseum? My hunch today is yes. But a hunch on February 24 is worthless, particularly when we don't yet know what sort of production the Ducks will get out of their new quarterback.