Despite starting out the season 3-0, USC was still not ranked in last week’s USA TODAY Sports US LBM Coaches Poll. After defeating Michigan State Saturday night, however, the Trojans entered the rankings for the first time this year, coming in at No. 22.
Despite beating Missouri State, Georgia Southern, and Purdue, voters determined that USC was not worthy of a spot in the top 25. Following their 45-31 victory over Michigan State, however, the Trojans vaulted into the rankings for the first time since prior to Week 6 of last season.
Five Big Ten teams currently sit ahead of USC in the rankings: No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Penn State, No. 5 Oregon, No. 12 Indiana, and No. 18 Michigan. In addition, archrival Notre Dame is one spot above the Trojans at No. 21.
The Trojans’ next opponent, came in one spot behind them at No. 23. The Illini were blown out 63-10 by Indiana on Saturday. Saturday’s matchup in Champaign will be a battle of two top 25 teams looking to earn more national respect.
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