AP Poll Mayhem Ahead of Rivalry Week
The USC Trojans’ hopes for a College Football Playoff berth were dashed after a 15-point drubbing by Oregon, yet USC still clings to No. 19 in the latest AP Top 25. Ohio State remains firmly atop the rankings following a dominant win over Rutgers, while other SEC powers—Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama—handled business as expected. Oregon’s convincing triumph vaults them past Ole Miss into the No. 5 spot. Meanwhile, Notre Dame stays at No. 9 despite a 70-7 blowout of Syracuse. Oklahoma, led by Lincoln Riley’s former assistants, solidifies its CFP résumé at No. 8. Elsewhere, Georgia Tech slips after a loss to Pitt, opening the door for SMU to sneak in at No. 25.
In the grand theater of college football, AP voters apparently take comfort in rewarding close losses and punishing blowout wins—because why should a 15-point defeat kick USC out of the top 10, right? It’s like crowning the carrot cake at a diet convention. Meanwhile, Ohio State is out there playing 16th-century siege warfare on Rutgers, presumably to prepare for playoff defenses. And let’s all pause for Oklahoma—finally making noise post-Lincoln Riley departure—proof that hiring Riley’s ex-coaches is the offseason miracle cure everyone’s been waiting for. Soon we’ll see the AP poll featuring fantasy leagues and your Aunt Linda’s bracket picks.
Vegas Loves USC: Bruins Got No Prayer
USC enters its crosstown finale against UCLA as an 18.5-point favorite with a staggering –1400 moneyline on FanDuel. The Trojans (8-3, 6-2 in Big Ten play) seek redemption after falling to Oregon, banking on a potent running game and quarterback Jayden Maiava’s 3,174 yards. Makai Lemon paces the receivers with over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns; freshman Tanook Hines chips in 367 yards. On defense, linebacker Desman Stephens II leads with 77 tackles, while Eric Gentry adds five forced fumbles. UCLA (3-8) counters with Nico Iamaleava’s 1,728 yards and 490 rushing yards but can’t match USC’s depth. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT at the Coliseum.
According to Vegas oddsmakers—those fearless prophets of the underdog—UCLA might as well hand USC the game ball now, unless the Bruins discover a time machine and reverse the season. Lincoln Riley’s squad is so heavily favored they’re practically listed as “Will win unless gravity reverses.” Injuries along USC’s front line are noted, but c’mon: if a minor sprain is enough to derail a runaway freight train, maybe college football schedules should include bubble wrap. As for UCLA, good luck turning those three wins into eight overnight. Bring popcorn—if you’re betting against USC, you might as well just watch the highlight reels and call it a day.
Leave a Reply