Week 2 picks as Trojans begin B1G play

USC has opened the season 2-0 for the fourth consecutive year under Lincoln Riley, and while the early results have been encouraging, week three presents a chance to begin putting last season’s struggles to rest. The Trojans will hit the road for the first time this year, traveling to Indiana for the first of two visits to the state, as the Purdue Boilermakers prepare to host. Below is the staff prediction for the week three matchup.

Nicholas Burmood, contributor

USC has looked about as efficient as one could hope through the first two games of the season. While some fans weren’t thrilled with elements of the Georgia Southern win, the reality is that nothing short of a 100–0 blowout of Clay Helton’s team would have satisfied the Trojan faithful. Now, USC pivots to its first Big Ten road test—a scenario sure to stir up some PTSD after last season’s nightmare finishes away from home.

The Trojans once again hold the clear talent advantage, but unlike the first two weeks, this matchup won’t be as straightforward. Efficiency remains key, but more importantly, USC will need to execute in the defining moments. The turnover battle looms large as a deciding factor. If the Trojans can stay on schedule and play to their strengths, they should eventually create separation.

Purdue, meanwhile, is eager to erase the memory of last season’s struggles. They were a bad football team a year ago, and they’re determined not to relive it. That makes this a dangerous spot for USC. The Trojans can’t afford to relax.

Prediction: USC 44 Purdue 17

Gabriel Esparza, editor

USC is facing its most significant challenge of the year so far. To be candid, though, Purdue is not in a great place as a program. Coach Barry Odom is in his first year in West Lafayette, and an overhaul is going to be required in order for the Boilermakers to be competitive in the Big Ten.

This is not likely to be another scoreline that is similar to what was seen by USC against Missouri State or Georgia Southern. Most likely, however, this will be a fairly comfortable win for the Trojans. Anything, of course, can happen on any given game day, but USC should be able to win by at least three possessions. There is even a good chance of the starters not seeing the entire game out for the third week in a row.

Prediction: USC 41 Purdue 17