9-3 projection sends USC Trojans back to Alamo Bowl ahead of pivotal Indiana game

Indiana matchup sets stakes

USC is 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play. After beating then-No. 2 Ohio State at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Halloween, the Trojans return from a bye hoping to add another major win under coach Lincoln Riley.

Playoff outlook remains uncertain

USC is currently just outside the College Football Playoff picture. The forecast sees the Trojans losing to either Indiana or UCLA and finishing 9-3 for a second straight season, despite optimism about their final three games.

The Trojans are fourth in the Big Ten championship betting odds at +900, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Indiana is listed at +100, UCLA at +280 and Oregon at +650.

UCLA presents another test

USC’s other top-10 matchup is a road game against No. 8 UCLA. The Bruins are described as one of two undefeated teams remaining, alongside No. 3 Utah. The Trojans have won their past two Crosstown Rivalry games against UCLA. They will try to keep the Victory Bell and spoil the Bruins’ unbeaten season at the Rose Bowl.

Alamo Bowl forecast points to BYU

The projection sends USC to the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio for a second consecutive season, this time against No. 9 BYU. The Trojans would be seeking redemption after losing 30-27 in overtime to TCU in their previous appearance.

BYU was once ranked No. 2 after beating No. 11 Notre Dame at home on Oct. 17, but has since lost twice. The Cougars fell in double overtime to UCF and later lost to arch-rival Utah, leaving them at risk of missing the playoff.

Quarterbacks could shape rematch

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier has thrown for 2,022 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions ahead of the Cougars’ Week 11 game against Baylor. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has also passed for more than 2,000 yards this season.

The teams have met four times, with the series tied 2-2. BYU won in 2019 and 2021, while USC’s most recent victory came in 2004, a 42-10 result in Provo.