It seems you are talking about discipline and attitude. I agree, the more disciplined team with the right attitude can beat a team like USC or Oregon, esp if the opponent is having an off day.
I do think the attitude will be better...most of Pigeon's attitude should be gone from the team, though there may be remnants. All the youth will be enculturated with traditional Buff attitude...can-do, hard-hitting swagger.
As far as discipline...I'm not as hopeful. We may do better on assignments and technique, but we were dead last (or first?) in penalties last year. Be very difficult beating even a second tier PAC XII team like Washington or Cal with all those penalties, esp. on the road. I know a few games (like CSU) Embree took off the reigns in regards to penalties, but we have been plagued so long with lack of discipline, esp on the OL, I have trouble having faith it will be better this year. Of course, like everything with this team, no one knows yet. Time will tell...