USC's Opening Test: Three Areas to Watch Against San José State
USC enters the season ranked 14th with high expectations after returning many starters and signing the top freshman class. The defense, now coordinated by Gary Patterson, must show improvement. Lincoln Riley also needs to demonstrate progress against ranked opponents, as he has a 6-13 record in such games.
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USC's roster overhaul includes both returning experience and the nation's top-rated incoming freshman class, a combination rarely seen in recent program history. The Trojans were unranked entering 2025 but now sit at No. 14, reflecting the dramatic shift in expectations. Riley's tenure has produced a 35-18 overall mark, yet his 6-13 record against ranked opponents highlights
Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Three Things USC Trojans Need to Prove Against San José State.” Browse more stories.