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College Football 2021: Top 3 under-the-radar games to watch in Week 1

By Shane Lunnen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: The USC Trojans enter the stadium prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: The USC Trojans enter the stadium prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

2. San Jose State at (15) USC

USC and San Jose State have met four times on the gridiron, all Trojan victories. Not saying the outcome will be different this year, but the Spartans are defending Mountain West champions with most of the roster returning. They should at least make the game interesting and worth watching.

The Spartans had a tune-up game in Week 0 versus Southern Utah, a 45-14 victory. It was not a flawless performance, but it did not have to be. They had a chance to work out the kinks a week before USC, potentially a slight advantage.

The Trojans are coming off a one-loss season. Normally a one-loss season would be fantastic, however, they were 5-1 in a shortened Pac-12 year with the one loss coming against Oregon in the conference championship game. The wounds of the loss should serve as motivation heading into this season.

USC always has high expectations yet they have fallen short of those expectations and for that reason, Clay Helton seems perpetually stuck on the hot seat. With quarterback Kedon Slovis as an outside candidate for the Heisman, perhaps the Trojans can break through this season.

The Spartans are a veteran team and the Trojans have the talent and name recognition of course. San Jose State defensive coordinator Derrick Odum played it close to the vest last week and will release his dogs this week. Should be a fun matchup and USC will have to earn the W.

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