The Trojans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) return home this Friday night to host the Northwestern Wildcats (5-3, 3-2), coming off of a much-needed 21-17 road win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The victory helped USC climb to No. 20 in the Week 11 AP Top 25, while the College Football Playoff committee slotted the Trojans at No. 19 in its first rankings of the season.
According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, USC enters the matchup with a 90.8% chance to win. Still, the short turnaround from Saturday to Friday has shaped preparation throughout the week.
“Feels like we just got home from Lincoln, and then we’re getting ready to play this thing,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. “You’re trying to balance getting the reps and also making sure their bodies are ready to play Friday night.”
With that quick turnaround, recovery has been emphasized heavily. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said the focus extends beyond treatment at the athletic facilities, explaining that sleep, hydration and nutrition matter “because being healthy at this point in time is everything.”
Riley added that the staff is also focused on tightening execution offensively.
“Complete passes as a start,” he said when asked what USC’s offense has worked on. “We’ve got to call it a little better, throw it a little better, catch it a little better, protect a little better.”
Fixing these offensive details will be crucial not just against Northwestern, but for the Trojans’ remaining schedule as well.
A Look Ahead
Nov. 15 – Home vs. Iowa Hawkeyes — Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Iowa enters with two losses this season, falling to Indiana (20–15) and Iowa State (16–13) by narrow margins. The defining feature of the Hawkeyes is their disciplined, structured defense, particularly in the red zone. While their offense hasn’t been explosive, Iowa’s physical, methodical style has a way of slowing games down. USC will need to maintain composure and efficiency to avoid getting stalled out in key scoring situations.
Nov. 22 – Away vs. No. 6 Oregon Ducks — Autzen Stadium
This is likely the toughest matchup remaining on USC’s schedule. Oregon has been strong across the board, with an efficient quarterback and a physical run game setting the tone. Redshirt sophomore QB Dante Moore has been in Heisman conversations for much of the season. While he’s had some struggles, including the Indiana game and after his injury against Wisconsin, he remains a major component to this Oregon team. If Moore finishes the season healthy and steady in his game, he’ll stay in that conversation come December.
The Ducks have been dominant at Autzen, with the lone exception of their loss to No. 2 Indiana. Road games have been difficult for the Trojans. Specifically, traveling to Eugene has historically been difficult for USC (their last matchup being in 2023 when USC fell 36-27), and slow offensive starts on the road have been a recurring issue this season. A win here would be pivotal, potentially boosting USC’s postseason positioning and keeping College Football Playoff hopes alive.
Nov. 29 – Home vs. UCLA Bruins — Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
UCLA opened the season 0–3 but has shown the ability to surprise, including a pivotal 42–37 win over Penn State. With interim head coach Tim Skipper and interim offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, the Bruins’ offense has become more unpredictable, capable of hitting big plays. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava has thrown for 1,468 passing yards this season and continues to develop as a dynamic threat. The stakes are always high in the crosstown rivalry, and no matter the records, this matchup consistently delivers intensity.
How the Trojans perform in these final games will determine their standing in the Big Ten and their postseason positioning.
Standout Player of the Week
One of last week’s standout performers was redshirt freshman cornerback Marcelles Williams, who delivered a strong game in coverage and run support.
“I think he’s been doing good all year,” Lynn said. “He’s been very, very steady, very consistent. The past couple of weeks, he’s playing with more confidence, tackling well, and he’s someone we trust out there right now.”
Williams had an arguably career-breakout game against Nebraska. With redshirt freshman defensive back Prophet Brown still sidelined from an August injury, Williams and the other cornerbacks have stepped up to fill the void. His impact came from both physicality and aggression, flying around the field to make plays.
He finished fourth on the Trojans with six tackles, including three solo stops, and also recorded a pass breakup. Unlike some of his other high-tackle games, this performance wasn’t the result of being targeted frequently; he was actively helping teammates in both run and pass defense.
While Williams ranks fifth on the team in tackles for the season, his performance against Nebraska stood out in a more meaningful and positive way, showing clear growth in his overall game.
Williams said the team is energized to return home after back-to-back road games.
“Friday night under the lights, it feels like high school again,” Williams said. “It should be a fun atmosphere.”
Redshirt junior defensive tackle Devan Thompkins said USC’s defensive communication was a key factor in the road win.
“Nebraska was a big environment to play in. One of the best we’ve played in so far,” Thompkins said. “I believe the communication was very great, and I think that’s what set us apart.”
Williams agreed, noting the team’s cohesion.
“When you turn on the tape, you can just tell everybody’s on the same page,” he said. “Everybody knows their assignment. People are talking before the snap, people are doing their signal before the snap. When you’re able to play fast, that’s how you know everybody’s communicating well and everybody’s able to play their best football.”
Northwestern Preview
Riley emphasized that Northwestern plays a disciplined, cohesive style.
“They play a very complimentary style of football. Offense, defense, special teams. Everything fits together,” he said.
Lynn added that the Wildcats’ offensive line is the biggest challenge.
“They’re probably the best offensive line we’ve played all year. They’re experienced, they protect well, and they play together.”
With November underway, every result now influences the Big Ten race and postseason positioning.
“We’ve put ourselves in position to do great things,” Riley said. “But now it’s about what you do with the opportunity.”
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Friday at the Coliseum.