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USC announces Big Ten opener at Michigan, kickoff time, channel in Ann Arbor

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•05/14/24•

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Predicting The Win Total Ceiling, Floor For The Usc Trojans In 2024 | 05.13.24

The Big Ten debut for the USC Trojans will take place in Ann Arbor against Michigan in September on CBS, ushering in a new era for the conference.

The Trojans will travel for a Saturday, September 21st game against the defending national champions. Kickoff time is set for 3:30 p.m. ET as CBS goes full Big Ten this fall.

It’s set to be one heck of a weekend in a few months.

With Caleb Williams gone and newcomers all over the defense, including a new defensive coordinator, can USC rebound for a solid season with their very tough schedule?

Andy Staples and Cody Bellaire debated that question and what the ceiling and floor looks like for the trojans in 2024 over on the On3 YouTube channel.

Essentially, Staples and Bellaire agreed that the team’s fate largely rides on the improvement or lack thereof on the defensive side of the football.

“If USC is competent on defense, they can go to the playoff,” declared Staples, explaining why there could be reason for optimism for an improved D.

“It’s really a question of the defense. They got very long at corner, like, they know what they’re looking for. D’Anton Lynn came in knowing what he wants it to look like, which I think is promising. I think they are going to be more right-sized on defense.”

Bellaire piggy-backed on that comment, laying out a pretty promising ceiling if USC is able to put together a better defensive product than the 2022 and 2023 groups.

“If they do, I think their best case scenario could be in the 10-2 range. I think they have a great shot at going 6-0 down the stretch, maybe losing one. But this is a team that, realistically, if they have a pulse on defense, they could go 9-3 no problem.”

He continued, noting a few of the pieces he really likes on this Trojan roster.

“I love the skill players here. Zachariah Branch, one of the most electric players. Jonah Monheim is probably one of the best interior linemen. Woody Marks, a great three-down back. And they bring in some high quality defensive players, too. New DC can’t be any worse than last season. And you get Miller Moss to be your starting quarterback after throwing six touchdowns in the bowl game.”

Alex Weber contributed to this report