The three games USC football must win in 2024

USC must beat Penn State on October 12

The Trojans' first Big Ten game is on September 21 at Michigan. I'm not optimistic about the outcome because the Wolverines remain loaded with top-tier talent and a hostile environment. USC will then Wisconsin and Minnesota before welcoming its first significant Big Ten opponent to LA Memorial Coliseum.

Penn State is coming off another double-digit win season and returns several key players, including quarterback Drew Allar. The Nittany Lions are ranked No. 8 in the preseason and should remain a top-10 squad by the time they hit the West Coast. Thus, many eyes will be on the matchup with Troy in Week 7.

Regardless of their first three conference games, Riley's team will prove they belong in the Big Ten with an upset win over Penn State.

I expect James Franklin's squad to bring their smashmouth style of football that will put USC's revamped defense to the test. Hopefully, earlier games against Michigan and Wisconsin are enough of a litmus test for USC and D'Anton Lynn's defensive unit.

Ohio State versus Oregon is likely the prime-time Big Ten game of the week, making USC versus Penn State a likely candidate for Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff. Either way, many will pay attention to the Trojans, who must perform against their new in-conference foe.