Im not talking about schedules, Im talking about matchups head to head against each other. USC matched up with Oklahoma the way USC would likely matchup with Auburn. USC did improve in 04 because in 03, Reggie Bush was not the focal point of the offense, it was Colbert and Williams. Also, keep in mind, LSU was lucky to have gotten that 03 national title because USC was #1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls going into the bowls but the coaches were forced to vote for LSU as a result of their agreement with the BCS.

Auburn may have had the tougher schedule but comparing team A to team B head to head, Im taking USC. The 04 USC squad is widely known by most as one of the top 3-5 greatest teams of all time.