USC Football: Ranking Trojans’ 2020 opponents by toughness
854. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Sept. 26. Los Angeles (Calif.). Arizona State Sun Devils. 4. player
I’m one of many football fans who are buying stock in Herm Edwards’ Arizona State team in 2020. Jayden Daniels is back to lead the offense, after a tremendous season as a true freshman in 2019, when he threw for 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
After starting last season 5-1, the Sun Devils suffered a four-game losing streak and were beginning to be forgotten about. Arizona State pulled a massive upset over Oregon, a game that would cost the Ducks a spot in the College Football Playoff. Arizona State would finish the season on a three-game winning streak and there is reasonable optimism heading into 2020 and it starts and ends with Daniels.
Herm Edwards is 1-1 against the Trojans so far and that is not bad considering that Arizona State has not had a lot of success against the Trojans. Replacing offensive stars wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and running back Eno Benjamin will be key for the Sun Devils this season.
Aside from two road games against Oregon and USC, the schedule sets up nicely for Arizona to make a run for the Pac-12 South title and potentially a New Year’s Six game.
Make sure to circle this one on your calendars.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3. player. 819. Nov. 28. Los Angeles (Calif.). Notre Dame Fighting Irish
One of the best and most traditional rivalries in the country, USC and Notre Dame have not had a truly meaningful game in years. That could change in 2020. We will know where both teams stand in the College Football Playoff race, as Notre Dame will be looking to make their second appearance in the last three years and might be needing a victory over the Trojans to secure their spot.
The Fighting Irish will be returning quarterback Ian Book and will boast one of the best offensive lines in the country, but will have to replace some defensive star power in defensive end Julian Okwara and defensive back Troy Pride Jr.
Notre Dame owns a three-game winning streak over USC, the longest under head coach Brian Kelly and it will not be easy for the Trojans to get a win here as the Irish should be rolling by this time of the season. It will be a tough game, but I think that the Irish will walk out of Los Angeles with a fourth straight victory over the Trojans.
You know you have a tough schedule when a probable preseason top-10 team is the third hardest game on your schedule.