USC’s football program is pinning its hopes on a 10‑2 overall record to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, a target that would require navigating a rugged schedule after an unbeaten start.
Early Momentum and Upcoming Challenges
The Trojans open the season with four nonconference matchups against San Jose State, Fresno State, Louisiana and Rutgers, a stretch that has already delivered a 4‑0 start and set the tone for a confident campaign.
As the calendar turns to late September, the team faces a six‑game gauntlet that includes Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Indiana, with the objective of collecting at least four victories to stay on track.
Home games at the Coliseum against Maryland and UCLA are expected to be tight contests, while Wisconsin is viewed as a likely win, giving the Trojans a realistic chance to sit at 6‑0 after six weeks.
The Road Ahead
The critical stretch demands a 3‑2 record in those five marquee games, and the coaching staff acknowledges that a home loss to either Oregon or Ohio State is probable, making a road victory at Penn State essential to offset that setback.
A plausible route to a 10‑2 finish envisions a September 26 win over Oregon, followed by triumphs against Washington and Penn State, while accepting defeats at Ohio State and Indiana later in the season.