No matter the conclusion, USC’s football season will be assessed in the extreme.
Weeks before the college football season begins, it is abundantly clear that rational USC commentary will have no place come Week 1.
Given the arrivals of head coach Lincoln Riley, quarterback Caleb Williams and wideout Jordan Addison, perhaps it’s understandable. After a decade of “meh,” a program with endless potential finally found a spark. And yes, the betting markets have reacted. Caleb Williams is + 700 to win the Heisman, behind only CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. USC is the favorite to win the Pac-12 at + 220. The Trojans are also 25/1 to win the national title, ranking behind only four teams. (This last one is particularly staggering.)
I’m going to level with you: I am completely torn what to do with this team.