For all of the criticisms of USC supposedly looking to avoid difficult games, one look at the Trojans' schedule should show just how willing USC is when it comes to the difficulty for the season ahead. This is, of course, by nature of joining the Big Ten.
While the opening matchups during the nonconference schedule are not filled with headline games that will get too much in terms of national attention, the conference slate in particular is especially strong.
This will help the Trojans. For one, going up against good competition will ultimately help USC long-term. Being able to point to certain games that can be used as a litmus test is extremely helpful when it comes to fully evaluating if the program has indeed improved this past offseason under coach Lincoln Riley.