Iowa v USC | Katelyn Mulcahy/GettyImagesThe 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. Two games remain. And standing directly in USC’s path is a top-15 clash with…