USC Friday night game against Northwestern comes at interesting part of schedule

A reason teams like USC typically want to avoid Friday night games is because of how it can mess up a routine. Particularly when the season starts, establishing the habits of the week's install is a critical part for every program.

Although it is now known that the Trojans' game against Northwestern has been moved up a day to Friday, November 7th. That matchup will air on FOX at 6 p.m. PT, as shared by USC's Director of Creative Content, Keely Eure, on X.

While it provides a shorter preparation time frame for USC to get ready for NW, it does come at something of an advantageous moment for the Trojans.

Every team is going to be forced to face a Friday evening game that they would probably rather not if they had their choice. In the case of the television networks, however, the desire to put big names in less traditional slots is part of an ever-increasing effort to expand coverage and attention throughout the week.

In any event, it is set now, and USC will play Northwestern on that aforementioned date. While it does make things a little more tricky to maneuver, it is a home game. It also helps the Trojans in the sense of who will then come next to the Coliseum the following week.

USC will host Iowa on Saturday, November 15th. Nothing against this Wildcats program, but if there is an unconventional team that it benefits to have one extra day to prepare for, it's the Hawkeyes.

Even when they are not a ranked team, Iowa always has a stout defense and a good special teams unit that can always find a way to keep them in games. Being given a bonus 24 hours to shift the focus exclusively on the Hawkeyes is something that will benefit the Trojans.

Positive 2025 development for USC that is outside of their control

Being at the mercy of scheduling, like playing in a conference play, is an aspect that USC has actively chosen to participate in, unlike others. The draw and how the season lays out is often the fortune or misfortune of circumstances.

For this specific example, USC got something of a break that they will look to take advantage of come November of this year.