After missing out on a bowl game last season, the USC Trojans will make their return to the postseason with a return trip to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl. This will be their third one this decade. Ever since their bowl destination was announced, the Trojans have undergone a lot of drama with the head coaching status of Clay Helton, the backlash of retaining Helton, and the poor recruiting results. The team, on the other hand, has blocked out the noise and focused on playing preparing for the bowl game. Their opponent, the Iowa Hawkeyes, come into this game with a 9-3 record this season.