USC Football: CFB Experts Predict Fewer Wins, Still Hopeful for Playoff Bid

Can the Trojans reach the CFP this season?

The USC Trojans program is filled with excitement and hope as we get closer to the first kickoff of the new college football season next weekend. This season, they hold heavy expectations for themselves after barely missing the College Football Playoff last year.

They bring back reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams to lead their offense, and their defense looks much improved compared to a season ago. Lincoln Riley is entering his second season with USC, and he is looking to make a statement.

The team should be fun and powerful once again. They are one of the favorites to make the College Football Playoff, and many expect them to make a run.

However, two college football experts for The Athletic only have the Trojans winning 10 games. Stewart Mandel and Antonio Morales both gave their thoughts and said it was a push for the Trojans to hit 10 wins.

If USC were to hit that number, a playoff berth could be possible depending on what else happens around them, but the chances would be low. Here are the thoughts from Morales. 

"

Push. It’s difficult to bet against Caleb Williams here, but there are still enough questions about USC’s defense, which makes it tough to pick the Trojans to win 11 regular-season games, especially with a back-loaded schedule.”

Per The Athletic

The Trojans do have a tougher schedule than they did a season ago. This includes a trip to Autzen Stadium to face the Oregon Ducks at the end of the season. That game comes right after they take on the high-powered Washington Huskies at home.

Mandal factored this into his assessment of the Trojans.

"

Push. USC could make the Playoff, but, that schedule is much harder than last year’s. The Trojans did not get Oregon or Washington last season; this year they play them back-to-back in November. They also play Notre Dame and Utah back-to-back. So, 9-3 is as likely to me as 11-1."

Per The Athletic

The Trojans have their work cut out for them this season. They are no longer flying under the radar and will be the hunted.

Teams would love nothing more than to spoil the Trojans' potential playoff hopes, so each week, they need to be on upset alert. 

USC has all of the tools to have a very successful season, but they just need to go out and execute their game.