This summer there were two phrases uttered so often that they hovered over the sports world with an air of omnipresence.
The first: "You have to realize, Michael Vick is the most polarizing figure in the history of Atlanta sports," spoken at least 10 times a day on ESPNews by Atlanta Journal Constitution writer Terence Moore, was a newcomer to the top two. On the other hand, "We are just going to take it one game at a time," retained its top slot for the 50th year in a row.
While this phrase is usually infuriatingly conservative for media types and fans, in the case of USC vs. Idaho, this is the exact approach the Trojans need to take.
Without further ado, here are your top 10 reasons why USC cannot overlook Idaho:
Reason 10: Unfamiliarity. USC has faced off against Idaho seven times in the program's history. However, the last meeting was in 1929. Granted, USC did win all seven games and won the 1929 meeting by a score of 72-0, but who knows how much has changed since then?
Reason 9: History. The last time USC played a team with as little national respect as Idaho, it barely walked away with the victory. In 2006, against a winless Stanford squad, USC allowed a total of 208 yards en route to a nail biting 42-0 victory.
Reason 8: USC is banged up. Senior guard Sam Baker, junior safety Josh Pinkard, sophomore receivers Travon Patterson and Vidal Hazelton and backup sophomore quarterback Mark Sanchez, just to name a few, hobbled through fall practice. The guys who would fill their spots if they aren't ready to go were only rated 100 spots higher than their Idaho counterparts on recruiting lists instead of 150 spots higher.
Reason 7: Nebraska looms. USC players will undoubtedly be looking ahead to the Nebraska game on Sept. 15. The Cornhusker faithful have been chomping at the bit for an opportunity like this to prove that Big Red is back in business. That game is only a full two weeks from the Idaho game, and to make matters worse USC players can't wait to fly from Los Angeles to the oasis that is Lincoln.
Reason 6: Underdog emotions. Idaho will undoubtedly be revved up to get at a team like USC. The last time Idaho got a chance to battle a highly regarded team, it took the game to the wire, losing in the fourth quarter to Hawaii, 68-10.
Reason 5: Mental acuity. Idaho is known to be smarter than most programs, using their mental edge to outsmart teams in the waning minutes. As former coach Dennis Erickson put it, "Idaho is the Harvard of the mountains." I swear he didn't laugh after saying that.
Reason 4: Because Rey told you so. When asked about the upcoming season, junior linebacker Rey Maualuga said, "It's everyone's dream to win a championship, but we're not looking forward past Idaho. Being No. 1 in the polls doesn't mean anything because we haven't proven anything yet." Just wait, Rey. Once you beat Idaho, your cred will skyrocket.
Reason 3: Mascot. True to their name, the Vandals are known to steal games that appear firmly in their opponent's grasp. The team's 14 wins over the past five years indicate that it may actually be fan pride that Idaho is vandalizing.
Reason 2: Location, location, location. Idaho is located in the college football belt of America. No atmosphere can match the fervor on display when playing at the likes of San Jose State, Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State. The Coliseum will feel like a living room.
Reason 1: Steroids. And you thought potatoes were just vegetables.
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