What is the outlook for the USC Trojans in the Big Ten this season?

The USC Trojans have been dubbed one of the "ticking clocks" in the Big Ten conference by ESPN analysts, meaning they are facing significant pressure to turn things around this season after losing a lot of talent in the transfer portal.

How did the USC Trojans perform in the 2024 season?

In the 2024 season, the USC Trojans lost 5 games by 1 score, which was tied for the most in the FBS. The team struggled to play from ahead, trailing in 11 of their 13 games.

What are the key challenges facing the USC Trojans this season?

The Trojans will be led by a quarterback with an inconsistent record against winning teams, and they face a tough schedule that includes road games against Notre Dame, Oregon, and Illinois, as well as a home matchup against Michigan.

Home / Sports / USC Trojans Deemed "Ticking Clock" in Big Ten Debut

USC Trojans Deemed "Ticking Clock" in Big Ten Debut

7 Aug

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Summary

USC one of three "ticking clocks" in Big Ten, per ESPN analyst
Trojans lost 5 games by 1 score in 2024, tied for most in FBS
USC faces tough road games against Notre Dame, Oregon, and Illinois

USC Trojans Deemed "Ticking Clock" in Big Ten Debut

As the USC Trojans prepare to make their debut in the Big Ten conference, ESPN college football analysts have raised concerns about the team's prospects for the upcoming season. In the network's Big Ten Football Preview, analyst David Hale placed USC in Tier 10a, a group of three "ticking clocks" that also includes Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Hale noted that the Trojans lost a significant amount of talent through the transfer portal and will be led by a quarterback with a mixed record against winning teams, having thrown 19 touchdowns and 17 turnovers in nine career starts. The analysts believe that not all of these teams can turn things around this year, making the Trojans' portion of the Big Ten standings particularly intriguing.

In the conference preview, USC was slotted ninth in the power rankings and identified as one of four "long shots" to reach the College Football Playoff. The Trojans are still seeking their first CFP appearance under head coach Lincoln Riley, and their chances could improve if they can play better away from home, where they dropped four games by seven points or fewer last season.

The Trojans' defense, under first-year coordinator D'Anton Lynn, took a step forward in 2024, but the team still allowed 5.83 yards per play, ranking 15th in the Big Ten. Improving the defense will be crucial as USC faces a challenging schedule, including road games against Notre Dame and Oregon, as well as a home matchup against Michigan. However, the Trojans caught a bit of a break, as they are not scheduled to face Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State or Penn State.

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