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College Football: 1 of these 5 teams will make the playoff for the first time in 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks to quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during the game against the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley talks to quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during the game against the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

1. USC Trojans

If you’re buying stock in the USC Trojans this season, you’re not alone. In case you’re not aware, I’m all-in on the Trojans and I think that this is the year USC can finally make the playoff.

If I had to choose one team that has yet to make a playoff head to the national semifinal for the first time, it would be USC. The Trojans have one of the best rosters in college football, led by the best player in the country in Caleb Williams. He won the Heisman Trophy last season and he comes into the 2023 campaign as the favorite to repeat.

Williams is the best player and the offense has added some solid weapons like Dorian Singer, Zachariah Branch, and MarShawn Lloyd. The offense shouldn’t skip a beat after last season.

However, Alex Grinch’s defense will have everyone’s attention. He needs to turn things around this season and if the defense can keep up with the offense, there’s not going to be anyone slowing him down.

Will USC make the playoff for the first time in 2023? I think there’s a really good shot.

I mean, Lincoln Riley is no stranger to the playoff.

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