Overview
- Kickoff is 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on FOX, with sportsbooks listing USC around a 14.5–15.5 point favorite.
- USC is 6-2 (4-1 Big Ten) and ranked in the CFP top 20, while Northwestern is 5-3 (3-2) seeking a win toward bowl eligibility.
- A run-heavy matchup is anticipated: Northwestern’s Caleb Komolafe has 458 rushing yards over the last five weeks and seven touchdowns in his past six games.
- USC’s ground game features King Miller, who has 509 rushing yards at 7.8 yards per carry, including 357 across the past three contests.
- Injuries and preparation loom large, with Northwestern down season-opening starter Cam Porter, USC listing multiple absences, and the Trojans working on a short week after the Nebraska trip against a Wildcats team coming off a bye.