Progrums

Leinart’s Playoff Path: Trojans vs. Irish Showdown

The No. 20 USC Trojans head into their 96th rivalry game against No. 13 Notre Dame off a ranked victory over Michigan, with College Football Playoff hopes still alive despite being 10.5-point underdogs. Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart told the Dan Patrick Show that even a loss would leave USC with a 10-2 record and a likely CFP berth, provided they beat Nebraska and weather a tough trip to Oregon. With Lincoln Riley’s balanced offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava and playmakers at every position, plus a resilient performance from walk-on running back King Miller amid injuries, Leinart remains confident. He also warned that Notre Dame, on a five-game win streak under Marcus Freeman, could coalesce for a 10-2 run if they knock off the Trojans first.

It’s touching to see Matt Leinart sketch USC’s destiny as if he’s Thomas the Train delivering Playoff freight through South Bend’s mist. Who cares that USC is playing on the road in a hostile college football version of “Survivor”? Leinart’s blueprint casually skips over the potential chaos of plowing through Nebraska and Oregon, as though rivalry kryptonite and a Pac-12 hangover are mere stepping stones. And let’s bow to the prophecy of walk-on King Miller, a Cinderella figure whose glass slippers might be mud-caked by mid-November. Welcome to the land where USC’s CFP fate is less a gauntlet and more a leisurely stroll, if you squint hard enough.