How USC football already owns the Big Ten before its first Big Ten game

We're starting to see several notable Big Ten-related Twitter/X accounts circulate a critical stat: USC has a 69-29-2 record versus Big Ten teams. Moreover, the Trojans are 25-18 against the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

USC's all-time dominance of the Big Ten conference is not news to Trojans fans. Such is why we tend to giggle at suggestions 'USC fears Big Ten competition' or 'USC will get crushed.' The Trojans pride themselves on stiff competition and understand that matchups featuring storied programs drive revenue.

Thus, the Trojans migrated to the Big Ten for two reasons: more marquee games and more money.

Historically, USC has a winning record against all Big Ten charter programs except one: Michigan State. The Trojans and Spartans are 4-4 in all-time games, including Michigan State's 20-17 victory in 1988. Sparty is currently transitioning with a new coaching staff; thus, we expect USC to gain an advantage soon.

However, the Trojans must wait until 2025 to earn a fifth win over Michigan State.

Regarding perfection, USC has never lost a football game to Nebraska, Indiana, or Northwestern. The Cornhusker will have their chance to defeat the Trojans this season, while the Hoosiers and Wildcats must wait until 2025. Regarding fellow former Pac-12 members, USC is 50-34 vs. UCLA, 51-31 vs. Washington, and 38-23 vs. Oregon.

Multiple Big Ten teams will close their head-to-head gaps with Troy in the coming seasons. Programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Oregon feature five-star-studded recruiting classes and all-star coaching staffs. Thus, the onus is on Lincoln Riley to move USC back into the football recruiting top five.

Riley must also ensure his program can play defense. The Big Ten is known for smashmouth football, of which recent Trojan defenses wouldn't stand a chance.

USC will play one of the most difficult college football schedules in 2024. Their slate begins with a neutral site game against LSU and a trip to Michigan in Week 3. The Trojans will also play Penn State, at Washington, and Notre Dame this season.