Important challenge ahead for USC in West Lafayette

It is always a challenge to go on the road in the Big Ten. This is a new-look USC team in many ways that is attempting to show that it is going to be able to compete in this conference. After a disappointing inaugural year in the BIG, coach Lincoln Riley has made it a point to address various factors, aiming to turn around some of the narratives surrounding the program.

Even though this is the first road test and the opening of Big Ten play, it has to still be remembered that not all teams are equal in terms of potential and capability. It is, of course, certainly possible that Purdue will pull off something incredible as a heavy underdog.

This is college football after all. Very little is set in stone until the game itself actually plays out. In some ways, though, this can be seen as a similar matchup for USC as the first two games against Missouri State and Georgia Southern were.

The Boilermakers represent a significant increase in talent. They are, however, expected to be at or near the bottom of the conference standings once everything wraps up.

Purdue is at a point in which they too are laying down the foundation to be more competitive in years to come. Following a coaching change, it would be unreasonable to expect too much from the Boilermakers this year, in terms of the final win-loss record.

This in itself puts USC in a precarious position.

Outlook of upcoming USC game

For one, the Trojans are expected to win by a healthy amount. Even if the game ends up being close, this would raise some red flags for many. USC is also facing a team that is truly playing with nothing to lose at this point. Going up against the Boilermakers, who will be eager to pull off an upset, can often prove to be more difficult than what may initially appear.

USC needs to find a way to take care of business. Going to West Lafayette and potentially putting on an impressive performance will do little to convince those who are not quite sold on the Trojans. It would still be significant and a positive step for USC.