Palmer always had the talent at SC he got screwed by bad coaching and injuries majority of his career. I still think that 02 SC team was maybe the best of the Pete era come end of the season they played an insane schedule that season no layups at all. FSU as well back then power 5 schools weren't ducking anyone. Off top of my head I wanna say SC OOC schedule in 02
At Colorado (defending big 12 champs went 9-5)
At Kansas State ( ended season 11-2)
Auburn ( went 9-4)
Notre Dame (went 10-3)
Iowa ( co champs of Big Ten)
Not to mention games at Oregon Washington St UCLA and then games vs ranked Washington Oregon St and a solid Cal team only easy game was probably vs Arizona or Stanford.