USC football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Casey Filkins (2) runs with the football against the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Finally, an opponent with a pulse (sort of).

David Shaw stepped down this offseason after yet another disappointing season and he was replaced by Sacramento State’s Troy Taylor. It was an outside-the-box hire but many believe it could pay major dividends.

Not right away, though.

USC rolls right through the Cardinal and Caleb Williams throws for 400 yards in the process.

Prediction: Win (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12)

USC’s first four games of the season may be the easiest in college football, assuming both Stanford and Arizona State need to undergo a major rebuild and aren’t all that competitive in year one of their respective regimes under new head coaches.

The Sun Devils went from Herm Edwards to Kenny Dillingham and that should improve the program long-term, but the 2023 season is going to be bumpy.

Dillingham will quickly realize he’s not in Oregon anymore.

Prediction: Win (4-0, 2-0)

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