Schedule Prediction

Less than 48 hours Trojan fans. In just under two days USC will take the field and commence the season. Before we walk through the schedule, we should note some breaking news from within the program. Bubba Bolden, who just earned the starting safety spot opposite Marvell Tell, will not play against UNLV. Helton declined to comment further stating that there is no timetable for his return. This news comes just days after 2^nd string safety Ykili Ross announced he will not play this year, and that reserve safety Ja’Quari Godfrey will transfer. Suddenly, we lack substantial depth and experience at a once stacked position. Defensive coordinator Pendergast will turn to redshirt freshman Isaiah Pola-Mao to assume the role. I am sure we will learn more soon, but this does not look good on the surface and you can tell from Helton’s body language in the video below something is amiss. Skip to 0:52 in the video to hear his statement. Now onto scheduling and my brief predictions

Coach Helton Discusses Bubba Bolden

GAME 1 v. UNLV

Thankfully, after a strange offseason and some current turmoil, USC opens with UNLV. This game should provide JT Daniels a chance to get the jitters out and get into a rhythm with his offense. Unfortunately, we will be without our starting center most likely and a variety of others. Despite these setbacks, USC should win this one by a couple scores.

GAME 2 @ Stanford

In week 2, we will sport the white jerseys for the first time in the season. On the road at Stanford presents a very tough game especially with Heisman candidate Bryce Love playing for the farm. I think we play a decent game, but a couple turnovers and discipline mistakes cost us the game.

GAME 3 @ Texas

In a marquee matchup the Trojans will play the Longhorns under the lights in Austin. I think we rise to the occasion for this one and get a big win for our program on the road.

GAME 4 v. Washington State

We return this Friday night contest to the Coliseum this year. There is a lot to dislike here, but a big home advantage and weather advantage compared to last year in Pullman. I think after three games we will be a bit bruised up but are capable of getting the win.

GAME 5 @ Arizona

This Arizona team could be the Pac-12 South surprise of the season. With Kevin Sumlin now at the helm of the program and dual threat quarterback Khalil Tate out to prove something, this game is dangerous for us. Our result will hinge upon the play of our defense and how we can contain the Wildcats offense. I must credit fellow fan, Brooks Clark, for putting this one on the radar as a tough one. This one I think we lose late in the 4^th.

GAME 6 v. Colorado

Nothing too eventful to note here in the contest, and one I will expound upon closer to the game. No reason we shouldn’t win this game.

GAME 7 @ Utah

This is well known as one of the tougher places to play in the conference and a site that has not been good to us in recent years. That said, Utah somehow can never put together the team it seems they are capable of after solid recruiting each year. USC takes this one by a narrow margin.

GAME 8 v. Arizona State

A bit of a wildcard with Herm Edwards now leading the Sun Devils, but too much unknown to say we will lose this game. USC wins a good one at home.

GAME 9 @ Oregon State

November is upon us for a trip to Corvallis and the weather is anybody’s guess. The Beavers shouldn’t put up too much of a test and if we take care of the ball in potentially wet conditions, we should come away with a victory.

GAME 10 v. Cal

Justin Wilcox comes back to the Coliseum as the head coach of the Golden Bears in this one. Unless something goes wrong with an injury to a key player, we should win this one also.

GAME 11 @ UCLA

We take a trip over to our second home field in Pasadena for a big rivalry against the Bruins in the seasons penultimate regular season game. Even with Chip Kelly leading the Bruins this year, there is no way our seniors let us lose this game.

GAME 12 v. Notre Dame

We close it out with the Irish at home this year. After a routing in South Bend last year, I hope we respond with a bit more fire in a game that could have big playoff implications. Sadly, the playoff hopes will likely be for Notre Dame come late November and they will be doing everything they can to make a final statement to the committee. USC loses this by two scores.

In conclusion, I predict USC finishes 9-3 with losses to Stanford, Arizona, and Notre Dame. We will be left to answer a lot of questions, not the least of which will be “Is Helton the man for the job?” I hope I am surprised with a better record, but I think three losses is realistic. Here’s to me being dead wrong and jamming our foot in the door of the playoffs. Won’t be long until we know.
FIGHT ON