Pac-12 Dominance Poses Challenges for Trojans' College Playoff Aspirations

Can the Trojans run the table and reach the CFP?

Entering the new college football season, the USC Trojans were among the more popular picks to reach the College Football Playoff. They almost made it last season but fell just short of their goals.

Through the first few weeks of the season, the Trojans have done nothing to diminish the hype that surrounded them entering the year. 

Their biggest issue is the conference they play in; USC will realistically need to stay undefeated all year if they want a chance to make the CFP.

“Before the season, I picked the Trojans to make the playoff semifinals. Their performance has done nothing to dampen those expectations, but their opponents have raised the standard. Anything but a transcendent USC season that’s worthy of the program’s annals won’t get it done in 2023.”

Per J. Brady Mccollough of The LA Times

It isn't the fairest system, but their level of competition isn't normally near the level of teams in the Big 10 or SEC.

However, the Pac-12 has looked the part of a top-tier conference this season. Ironically, they finally may have figured things out in the last year as a full conference. 

The weakness of the Pac-12 has cost teams in the past of any playoff chances, and unless the Trojans continue to dominate, it may cost them too.

Luckily for them, they do have some tougher games scheduled down the road. This includes matchups on the road against ranked teams like Colorado, Oregon, and Notre Dame. They will also welcome in Utah, Washington, and UCLA to the Coliseum this year.

"And that’s exactly what the long-tortured, tried-and-true Trojans should want. Pete Carroll’s 2004 team wanted to “leave no doubt” on its way to a national championship, and, with this gantlet ahead, this group can hush all doubters with a playoff run."



Per J. Brady Mccollough of The LA Times

The Pac-12's surprising uprise this season may cast some doubt on the chances of reaching the CFP for USC. But this team is special and could very well run through the tougher-than-anticipated schedule.