LOS ANGELES _ At USC, a boring fall camp is a luxury, and a rarity.
Last season, the Trojans were rocked by coach Steve Sarkisian's erratic behavior, which eventually led to his firing. Two seasons ago, it was a defensive back's story of heroism that turned out to be a fabrication.
Now, USC has turned to Clay Helton, who will begin his first camp as head coach Thursday. Can he make USC boring again off the field?
There remains enough football-related intrigue. The Trojans were picked in a media poll to finish second in the Pac-12 Conference South, behind UCLA, partially because of a bruising schedule.
USC hasn't won a conference title since 2008. The Trojans have the potential to win it this season, but only after addressing lingering questions.
First, Helton must choose between passers to replace Cody Kessler, the most efficient quarterback in the history of the program. There are also issues along the defensive line, budding stars on both sides of the ball, and that schedule that could either batter the Trojans or propel them into the national playoff picture.
Here are some of the story lines that will determine the season's trajectory:
