The USC Trojans’ inaugural season in the Big Ten has been a rollercoaster ride, culminating in a disappointing 6-6 record after their Week 14 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This defeat left the Trojans with a .500 record, but there’s a silver lining: they remain bowl eligible. This eligibility was secured a week prior when they triumphed over their crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins, with a tight 19-13 victory at the iconic Rose Bowl.
USC’s Season Highlights and Challenges
The Trojans kicked off their season with a thrilling upset against the LSU Tigers, winning 27-20 in Las Vegas. This victory propelled Lincoln Riley’s squad, then ranked No. 23, up to No. 13 in the AP Poll. It was a promising start that had fans dreaming of a successful season. However, the momentum quickly faded as they faced a series of challenges.
After a solid 2-0 start, USC encountered its first setback with a narrow 27-24 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. This defeat was a precursor to the struggles that would plague the Trojans throughout the season, as their defense allowed a last-minute touchdown that sealed their fate. Following a home victory against Wisconsin, the Trojans faced a tough stretch, suffering three consecutive one-score losses to Minnesota, Penn State, and Maryland, all of which featured heartbreaking fourth-quarter comebacks by their opponents.
Quarterback Changes and Late Season Struggles
Midway through the season, the Trojans made a significant change at quarterback. After a loss to Washington, Jayden Maiava took over the starting role from Miller Moss. Under Maiava’s leadership, Southern Cal managed to bounce back, securing victories against Nebraska and UCLA. However, the season ended on a sour note with a 49-35 defeat to Notre Dame, where two late defensive touchdowns by the Irish sealed the Trojans’ fate.
Despite the ups and downs, the Trojans’ resilience has kept them in the postseason conversation. Their ability to secure bowl eligibility is a testament to their determination and skill, even in a challenging season.
Looking Ahead: Bowl Game Projections
As the Trojans prepare for the postseason, several bowl projections have emerged. One popular scenario has them heading to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, where they could potentially face an ACC team like Syracuse or Duke. Another enticing possibility is the Las Vegas Bowl, where they might clash with an SEC opponent, with Texas A&M and Missouri being mentioned as potential matchups.
Despite finishing unranked and placing No. 11 in the Big Ten, the Trojans’ journey through this season has been a learning experience. They went 1-3 against ranked opponents, highlighting the challenges they faced in their first year in a new conference. However, the prospect of a bowl game provides a chance for redemption and a fitting conclusion to a tumultuous season.
Reflecting on the Season
While the season may not have unfolded as USC had hoped, there are valuable lessons to be learned. The Trojans showcased their potential with early-season victories and moments of brilliance, but consistency proved elusive. The defensive struggles, particularly in close games, will be a focal point for improvement moving forward.
As the Trojans gear up for their bowl game, fans can look forward to seeing how the team responds to the challenges of this season. Will they rise to the occasion and finish strong? The anticipation is palpable, and the potential for a thrilling postseason awaits.
In the end, the USC Trojans’ first season in the Big Ten may not have been the fairy tale many envisioned, but it has laid the groundwork for future success. With a blend of young talent and experienced leadership, the Trojans have the ingredients to bounce back and make a statement in the coming years. The road ahead may be challenging, but the spirit of college football thrives on resilience and the pursuit of greatness. As fans rally behind their team, the hope for brighter days ahead remains strong.
