USC Trojans' Receive Surprising Ranking After Statement Road Win Over Nebraska

Despite their signature road win over Nebraska on Saturday night, USC fell one spot to No. 10 in the ESPN FPI Top 25 following week 10's college football slate. With the win over the Cornhuskers, the Trojans improved to 6-2 on the season.

After a slow start, USC trailed 14-6 at halftime, but the Trojans rallied in the second half behind a strong running game. USC running back King Miller rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in the win.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, despite not having his best performance in the passing game, had a career night on the ground with 11 carries for 62 yards, including a huge game-tying rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

Three Big Ten Teams Among Top Ranked In ESPN FPI Rankings

Three Big Ten teams rank ahead of USC in the ESPN FPI Top 25. All three teams rank in the top 3 of the week 10 rankings, which include Ohio State (No. 1), Indiana (No. 2), and Oregon (No. 3). No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana both had dominating wins in week 10. The Buckeyes beat Penn State 38-14 at home, and the Hoosiers dismantled Maryland 55-10 on the road in College Park.

No. 6 Oregon had a bye week and has a 7-1 record on the season heading into its week 11 road matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Four Big Ten teams rank below USC in the ESPN FPI Top 25, including Michigan (No. 19), Iowa (No. 20), Penn State (No. 22), and Washington (No. 23). Despite being 3-5 on the season and having five straight losses, the Nittany Lions remain ranked in the top-25.

No. 21 Michigan, No. 24 Washington, and Iowa are three of the four Big Ten teams, along with USC, that have two losses and still have a shot to make the 12-team playoff.

USC Returns Home To Face Northwestern

USC will have the opportunity to strengthen its playoff chances when it faces off against the Northwestern Wildcats on Friday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Friday night's matchup between the Trojans and the Wildcats will be the first since 1995, when USC won 41-32 in the Rose Bowl.

USC leads the series 5-0 over Northwestern. The Trojans are currently 14.5-point favorites over Northwestern on Friday night, according to ESPN BET Sportsbook. The kickoff from the Coliseum is set for 4:00 p.m. PT with the game being broadcast on FOX.

• Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 
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