Yes, but you're missing my point entirely. Your initial post, if I understand you correctly, was that USC lost because they weren't playing a PAC 10 team. The implication is that USC was only #1 because they were in the PAC 10. That is pure bunk. USC has won every non-conference game in the last 3 years. USC gave Texas their toughest game since Ohio State. Say what you want about the PAC 10, but don't suggest that USC's status as a national contention team is merely the result of a weak conference.
USC is a great team but their unblemished records are a result of their weak conference. With USCs schedule it highly likely that Ohio State, Auburn, LSU and Texas would have all been unbeaten the last 2 years.
I am not saying they were ranked number solely due to being in the PAC-10. I will assert that they have been UNDEFEATED because they are in the PAC-10. Three years ago, they lost to an UNRANKED team, while LSU lost to a top ten team. Also, three years ago, it was ONLY due to a missed chip shot field goal (can't remember who), that they survived without a loss.
USC has put up impressive offensive numbers against PAC-10 teams with VERY weak defenses. Arizona State, for example, is ranked 113th in the nation in defense. Some have suggested that the conference is ranked low in defense because there are several teams with high powered offenses. I disagree. UCLA had a terrible defense, but a very good offense. Oregon had a good offense and a so-so defense, and at 10-1 lost to a 7-4 team. The fact that the BCS did not include a 10-1 Oregon team in the bowl series in indicative of the fact that they recognize the weakness of the conference.
As for USC's non-conference play, they LOST (as far as I am concerned) to Notre Dame..only a very lucky fumble out of bounds, and a good spot for an offical saved they butts.
They did beat a terrible Arkansas team ( later in the year, Arkansas was improved after the coach gutted the team and replaced the starters with underclassment).
In a nutshell, USC has an easier road to number 1 because they play in the PAC-10.
Does this mean that I do not think them the best or at least second best...No. They had a great team this year..BETTER than the last two.