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Big Range of Early Bowl Predictions for the 2023 USC Trojans

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney•07/01/23•

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USC defense
Several members of the USC defense jog off the field following a drill during a Trojans' spring practice (Erik McKinney/WeAreSC)

Anticipation for the 2023 college football season continues to build as we get into July. But some people are already skipping through the regular season and projecting December and January bowl matchups. Here’s a look at some of those early projections and where the USC Trojans are predicted to play.

Sporting News

Rose Bowl Game: No. 2 Michigan vs No. 3 USC

The Sporting News sees the return of a traditional Rose Bowl Game with the Trojans taking on the Michigan Wolverines in one of the College Football Playoff semifinal games. USC and Michigan are already set to face off as Big Ten conference opponents in 2024. This one would be a little bit bigger. It would also guarantee either Lincoln Riley or Jim Harbaugh their first playoff win.

College Football News

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: NC State vs USC

Safe to say this would be a disappointing finish to the season for a USC team with real playoff hopes. CFN sees Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Texas as the four playoff teams. Both Oregon and Washington from the Pac-12 are included as New Year’s Six teams. It seems like the prediction here is that the Trojans will trip up a few times during the back half of the schedule.

Athlon Sports

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs USC

Here’s another playoff prediction for the Trojans. USC would get the two-time champs in tough Sugar Bowl matchup in this scenario. Athlon predicts Georgia to advance and play Michigan in the National Championship game.

Action Network

Valero Alamo Bowl: Texas vs USC

Brett McMurphy of Action Network sees a Texas – USC matchup in the Alamo Bowl. That would be a disappointment for both programs at this point, but would have the chance to be a great bowl game. Action Network sets the point spread for that hypothetical game at Texas favored by 6.5 points.

College Football Network

Holiday Bowl: Clemson vs USC

College Football Network sees Utah as a New Year’s Six team and Washington as a College Football Playoff semifinalist in the Rose Bowl.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz