The Definition Game

Good morning Trojan fans,

We find ourselves at a very interesting, and nearly unprecedented crossroads in our programs history. This afternoon unranked USC welcomes the seventh ranked Oregon Ducks into the Coliseum for what appears to be our last test against a ranked opponent in regular season. With the Pac-12 title game very much in sight, this game is a truly a must win to maintain ownership of a tiebreaker with Utah if all holds equal over the closing weeks. It’s not worth looking too far ahead though, given the Pac-12 after dark chaos that occurs each week across the conference. So, what are some of the outcomes and impacts of this game?

If we win

• We win and take down a top 10 program. This should ALWAYS be our first choice as fans of the program.
• We control the Pac-12 south and take aim at the conference championship to earn a Rose Bowl berth.
• We win and take Oregon out of the conversation for a playoff berth and thus hurt the conference’s national exposure.
• We win and Clay Helton’s argument for retention begins to form. He would have beaten two top-10 teams, with an injury depleted roster.
• Recruits feel the energy and tradition of a packed Coliseum and are excited about the prospect of joining the team.

If we lose

• We no longer control our destiny the Pac-12 title race.
• Clay Helton’s future becomes even more criticized and USC brass begins the process of searching for a replacement.
• Recruits watch us lose to a flashy and neon-clad Oregon team in our own building and evaluate their out of state offers over those of the Cardinal and Gold.
• Apathy continues to set in among fans and the reality of another failed season is felt.

The country has once again recognized us a sleeping giant with the Vegas spread sitting at just 4 points. Let’s look at where that falls among other games today for unranked teams against the Top 25. Among other unranked teams, we play the highest ranked Top 25 team of the weekend slate and have the second closest point spread.

• UW v. #9 Utah (-3.0)
• USC v. #7 Oregon (-4.0)
• Kansas v. #22 Kansas State (-5.0)
• NC State v. #23 Wake Forest (-8.0)
• San Jose State v. #21 Boise State (-17.0)
• Virginia Tech v. #16 Notre Dame  (-17.5)
• Ole Miss v. #11 Auburn (-18.5)
• Maryland v. #14 Michigan (-21.5)
• East Carolina v. #17 Cincinatti (-24.0)

Off the field, another story is developing as it is being reported that USC has reached a deal in principle for Mike Bohn, AD for Cincinnati, to become USC’s next athletic director. Whether he is at the game or not, he will surely be watching. Many recruits are also reported to be attending this matchup and the implications there should not be overlooked.

It will be all eyes on USC under an orange Los Angeles sunset and the bright lights of the Coliseum. This team will play a game that will be remembered for years beyond its final whistle. This team will play a defining game in our storied history and I know our guys are up to it. I know they are ready to show the country the definition of FIGHT ON.

 

 

Sources: Espn.com, Getty Images