The Pac-12 announced its re-revised schedule Saturday, featuring seven conference-only games. The Trojans were set to play a very challenging schedule this fall with games against Alabama, Notre Dame and Pac-12 favorite Oregon. However, thanks to this shortened schedule, USC avoids all three of its ranked opponents, at least until a possible qualification for the Pac-12 Championship Game on Dec. 18. Here’s a game-by-game preview of the Trojans' schedule for the upcoming season.
Arizona State at USC, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. on FOX
Arizona State likely poses the greatest threat to USC in the Pac-12 South this season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels played well as a true freshman last season, although he lost two of his biggest weapons to the NFL in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and running back Eno Benjamin. As he heads into his third year with the Sun Devils, head coach Herm Edwards has built what looks to be a really talented defense, especially against the run. USC quarterback Kedon Slovis will have to expose the Sun Devils' secondary in order to pull off a season-opening win at home.
USC at Arizona, Nov. 14
In Week 2, USC travels to Tucson to face an Arizona team that has struggled mightily over the last few years. The Wildcats also lost their explosive quarterback Khalil Tate, who had racked up over 8,500 total yards of offense in his four years with Arizona. Arizona will turn to Grant Gunnell to exploit USC’s new-look defense under incoming defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. Meanwhile, Slovis shouldn’t have much trouble against a Wildcats defense that was the worst in the Pac-12 in 2019 in points allowed per game.
USC at Utah, Nov. 21
After an 11-3 season in 2019, Utah will have to retool quickly, especially on defense, having lost seven of last year’s starters to the NFL. The Utes will not return their top two rushers in running back Zack Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley, but look forward to the matchup of Utah’s perennial rushing attack against USC linebackers Jordan Iosefa and Palaie Gaoteote IV. However, head coach Kyle Whittingham will be more concerned about losing nine of his top 11 tacklers on what was last season’s No. 2 defense in the nation.
Colorado at USC, Nov. 28
Colorado surprisingly lost head coach Mel Tucker to Michigan State in February, so the Buffaloes will face many questions following a mediocre 2019 season. The Buffaloes need to find some offensive playmakers in order to keep up with a star-studded Trojan offense. On the other side of the ball, Colorado’s powerful defensive line will need to generate a consistent pass rush to keep Slovis from dominating the game.
Washington State at USC, Dec. 4
In its lone matchup against a Pac-12 North opponent, USC will welcome a Washington State team that will need to replace almost all of its offensive weapons, including Mike Leach’s air-raid offense that left for Mississippi State in the offseason. However, new head coach Nick Rolovich will try to continue the Cougar’s exciting offensive traditions up in Pullman. Slovis will likely have another easy matchup against a defense that gave up over 500 total yards six times last year.
USC at UCLA, Dec. 12
Crosstown rival UCLA hosts the Trojans at the Rose Bowl, in what could be a make-or-break year for head coach Chip Kelly. After success at Oregon in the early 2010s, Kelly’s offensive system is yet to work well with the Bruins, although a maturing offense led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and other experienced weapons could finally break out this year. As is the case with many Pac-12 teams, UCLA will feature an unspectacular defense that will have to rely on its defensive line.