The USC Trojans are preparing for a hostile road test, traveling north to face the No. 7 Oregon Ducks, who aim to end USC’s playoff dreams for good. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET).
When I sat down to make this week’s prediction, something I’ve done routinely all season, it carried a weight the others didn’t. USC is suddenly on the verge of achieving what many dismissed months ago which is a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff. For Trojans fans, who haven’t seen their team reach the playoff since it began in 2014, the significance isn’t lost.