The preseason coaches’ poll is one where all the coaches of college football rank teams before any game has been played. USC is rated well at No. 15.
What Does It Mean for the Program?
The Trojans are still recognized as one of the most talented teams in Division 1 Football, even coming off of a four and eight year. Last season is viewed as a fluke, especially with the hiring of former Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley.
This ranking puts to rest some of the USC overhype, which would have been in overdrive if they were to start the season in the top ten.
Does It Properly Reflect the State of the Program?
Even with the middling ranking, USC deserves to be behind No. 8 Utah and No. 12 Oregon. But ahead of No. 40 UCLA and No. 51 Oregon State (Were the only other Pac-12 teams to receive votes).
Riley still has a team with lots of holes. Oregon with new head coach Dan Lanning (former Georgia Defensive Coordinator) and new veteran quarterback (former Auburn QB) Bo Nix. They have a more complete roster.
Utah for sure has more talent and a complete team. Except unlike Oregon, they have way more familiarity with a lot of returning players like star junior QB Cameron Rising.
Compared to Oregon and Utah, UCLA is not far ahead of USC in terms of talent, which is why they should be behind the Trojans, because Riley has evened the battle for LA. UCLA shouldn’t be as low as 40, but they should still be behind USC.
Oregon State should be behind USC. While they have familiarity and a more complete roster, the talent level is miles apart. Should Riley and the Trojans worry about them? Yes. Should Riley and the Trojans beat Oregon State? Yes.
Make sure to continue to follow USC here at Gridiron Heroics, here’s an article on the major perks of being the Trojans head coach.
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