Meanwhile at USC, it seems as if the entire team is leaving for the NFL. Want to know why? Here’s another reason: Look no further than Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Palomalu in Sunday’s amazing/bizarre/incredible/unbelievable last five minutes. First, Palomalu makes an interception that is reversed (and the CBS announcers made it clear they disagreed). Then later, Palomalu blitzes, forcing Indy to double-team him, which lets another Steeler come in and sack Peyton Manning on fourth down. Without Palomalu’s actions, what followed — Jerome Bettis’ fumble, Nick Harper’s return, Ben Roethlisberger’s tackle, Manning’s moving the ball, and Vander-whatzhizname’s miss by a mile (right after Dick Enberg said this guy is the most accurate kicker in NFL history — could this be the Dick Enberg jinx?) would not have happened. The sequence begins with Palomalu.

Now, what does this have to with USC? Palomalu went there, and look at the success he’s having. Pete Carroll and his coaching staff know how to recruit, nurture and develop talent so these players can go to the NFL and contribute immediately. Don’t be surprised when Winston Justice or Fred Matua becomes a Sports Illustrated cover story — without the long hair, of course.