10 Reason the Hogs will win!

My prediction Hogs 38 USC 35

Wooo Pig Soooie!

Here are 10 reasons why I believe the Hogs are capable of pulling off an upset:

1. Pride -- Southern Cal intentionally embarrassed a very young and inexperienced football team last year. They sent a message to the nation at the Hogs' expense and laughed about it while doing it.

Though it's not USC's job to stop its own offense, there is no class in passing late in the game with a 50-point lead.

The Trojans had better be ready to rumble tonight because they will be challenged, and the joke may end up on them if they don't take the Hogs seriously.

2. Offensive line -- The Hogs own a veteran front five that led the way for the most potent rushing attack in the SEC last season. Stephen Parker, Tony Ugoh and the rest of the big guys up front can play smashmouth with the best of them, and they are hankering to show everyone how solid they are pass blocking, too.

3. UA cornerbacks -- This group took its lumps against USC last year, and Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith should be as good if not better this year. However, with a year's experience under their belts, Chris Houston and Matterrall "Red" Richardson are no longer struggling with the demands of a new scheme. Tonight's matchup will be more of an even match.

4. Felix Jones -- Jones got lost a bit in Darren McFadden's shadow last season as he was setting a UA freshman rushing record, but Jones averaged 6.3 yards a carry just like McFadden a season ago. Jones is an elusive runner who will benefit from the misdirection that is built into UA Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn's offensive scheme.

5. Reggie Herring -- The Hogs' defensive coordinator has been stewing about last season's loss for nearly a year. This game is personal to him, his staff and each of the Hog defenders. Tonight they are intent on not being embarrassed for a second year in a row.

6. Peyton Hillis -- The junior from Conway and Malzahn's offense were made for each other. Hillis will prove to be a bell cow for the Hogs this season, catching screens and swings as well as punishing defenders from the tailback spot.

7. Jamaal Anderson -- The 6-foot-6, 280-pound junior came into his own in the last half of last season, and he has only gotten better, adding strength and muscle in the off-season. He has the chance to be a force from his left end spot.

8. Marcus Monk -- The 6-6 junior's talents went to waste last season. That will not happen this season in Malzahn's offense. He will be All-SEC this season and an All-America candidate going into his senior season.

9. Motivation -- Houston Nutt has had a knack for being at his motivational best in revenge games. Win or lose, expect the Hogs to give a peak performance tonight.

10. Razorback fans -- When it gets down to the nitty gritty, Hog fans always come through for their team. With 72,000 plus on hand tonight, all the naysaying will be put aside. The fans will be behind their Razorbacks and the atmosphere will be a one-of-a-kind experience.

USC is a great football program, and by all accounts, the Trojans should win the game, but anyone who believes Arkansas has no chance hasn't got a clue.

Terry J. Wood is the sports editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.