USC Bowl Projections: Trojans on the cusp of qualifying
The USC Trojans (5-5, 3-5) moved to within one win of bowl eligibility thanks to a 28-20 win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers this past weekend. If Lincoln Riley’s program can get a win in the Crosstown Showdown against UCLA this weekend, it will lock up a postseason bowl appearance for the 58th time in USC history.
Here’s a roundup of the bowl projections from various outlets with the Trojans still having something to play for against both rivals and a range of potential landing spots.
LA Bowl – Dec. 18 in Los Angeles against UNLV
Last week: Same projection
USC has never appeared in the Los Angeles Bowl as this will be only its fourth year in existence. The Trojans are 2-0 all-time against the Rebels, picking up wins in 1997 and 2018. Obviously with Jayden Maiava now taking over as the starting quarterback, this matchup would generate quite a bit of interest locally. Maiava was the starting quarterback for the Rebels much of last season before leaving via the transfer portal.
Sun Bowl – Dec. 31 in El Paso against North Carolina
Last week: Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech
If it has to be the Sun Bowl, USC fans would likely prefer any team to Georgia Tech. Nobody needs a repeat of the 2012 event. The Trojans are 0-3 all-time at the Sun Bowl. USC is 0-2 all-time against North Carolina, losing 8-7 back in 1958 and 31-9 to kick off the 1993 season in the Pigskin Classic in Anaheim. Action Network shows USC as a 10-point favorite in this matchup right now.
* ESPN
Sun Bowl – Dec. 31 in El Paso against Louisville (Kyle Bonagura)
Sun Bowl – Dec. 31 in El Paso against Pittsburgh (Mark Schlabach)
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Last week: No Bowl Game
It’s a little bit of a look at what the ACC looks like right now as in the past two weeks USC has been mocked to the Sun Bowl against six different ACC teams. USC against Louisville would be a rematch of last season’s Holiday Bowl. USC is 6-4 against Pittsburgh all-time but the teams haven’t played since a 16-7 win by the Trojans in 1974.
Independence Bowl – Shreveport, Louisiana on Dec. 28 against Memphis
Last week: Alamo Bowl against Kansas State
As much as USC fans would want to avoid playing Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl, playing Memphis anywhere might bring up even worse memories. The Tigers are 1-0 all-time against USC, beating the Trojans 24-10 to kick off the 1991 season back when they were known as Memphis State. That sent USC off to a 3-8 record that year.
Las Vegas Bowl – Las Vegas on Dec. 27 against Missouri
Last week: No Bowl Game
This would be a fun one against a Missouri team that came into the 2024 season with high hopes in the SEC. USC is 1-1 in Las Vegas bowl games, losing to Utah in 2001 and beating Fresno State in 2013. This would bookend USC’s season in Allegiant Stadium after opening there with a 27-20 win against LSU.
