The No. 20 USC football team is gearing up for a crucial matchup against Northwestern this Friday night, having returned from Nebraska early Sunday morning. With only a day less than usual to prepare, head coach Lincoln Riley acknowledged the tight turnaround, joking, “Thankfully, the Big Ten took care of us schedule-wise.” The Trojans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) are focused on maximizing their preparation time as they aim for a potential playoff spot, while the Wildcats (5-3, 3-2) come off a bye week.
The short week presents challenges, particularly concerning player rest and recovery as the season wears on. Riley noted the importance of balancing practice with adequate recovery, especially with many players having experienced similar situations in the past. “A lot of us have been through some of these short weeks,” he stated, pointing to the experience of players who have spent time in the NFL.
On the other side, David Braun, head coach of Northwestern, expressed that the bye week provided valuable recovery time for his squad, which has been managing various injuries. However, he also recognized the potential downside of a bye, saying, “Sometimes you can acquire some rust throughout the bye week.”
USC knows the importance of the upcoming game not just for their current standing but also for their potential postseason implications. A strong performance against Northwestern could enhance their credentials with the College Football Playoff selection committee. The Trojans were ranked No. 19 in the initial CFP rankings released this week, with bowl representatives already taking note of their performances.
As the Trojans prepare to face Northwestern, they will need to be wary of the Wildcats” potent ground game, which has remained effective despite the loss of starting running back Cam Porter to a season-ending injury. Northwestern ranks fifth in the Big Ten with an average of 187.9 rushing yards per game, led by Caleb Komolafe, who averages 76 yards per game. Defensive coordinator D”Anton Lynn highlighted the physicality of Northwestern”s offensive line, calling it the best they have faced this season.
On the defensive front, USC has been solid, allowing an average of 143.1 rushing yards per game. Key defensive players include Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby, each contributing significantly with tackles and sacks.
When the Trojans take the field on offense, quarterback Jayden Maiava will look to bounce back from a challenging outing against Nebraska, where he completed only 39% of his passes. His performance will be critical, as USC aims to regain its explosive offensive rhythm against a Northwestern defense that has allowed an average of 172 passing yards per game.
As the Trojans prepare for this important game, they must remain focused on the immediate challenge at hand, knowing that the outcome will have lasting effects on their season.
Game Details:
Northwestern (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) at No. 20 USC (6-2, 4-1)
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV/Radio: FOX (Ch. 11)/ESPN LA 710
