With the conclusion of the 2023 football season, fans of the University of Southern California (USC) eagerly await the upcoming 2024 campaign. Under the leadership of head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans aim to build upon their impressive 2023 performance and contend for a Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The 2024 USC football schedule promises a thrilling ride for fans and players alike, featuring a challenging mix of conference matchups and non-conference tests. The Trojans will face several highly ranked opponents, including their annual rivalry games against UCLA and Notre Dame. The team will also travel to face some of the nation’s top programs in out-of-conference matchups.
As we delve into the intricacies of the 2024 USC football schedule, we will examine each game in detail, highlighting key matchups, storylines, and potential implications for the Trojans’ season.
USC 2024 Football Schedule
A challenging slate of games awaits the Trojans.
- Home opener vs. San Jose State
- Rivalry clash with Notre Dame
- Road test at Ohio State
- Pac-12 showdown vs. Oregon
- Rivalry game vs. UCLA
- Potential Pac-12 Championship rematch
The Trojans will face several top-ranked opponents and travel to some of the nation’s toughest venues.
Home opener vs. San Jose State
The USC Trojans will kick off their 2024 football season with a home opener against the San Jose State Spartans at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
San Jose State, under the leadership of head coach Brent Brennan, has established themselves as a competitive program in the Mountain West Conference. The Spartans have won at least six games in each of the past four seasons, including a 7-6 record in 2022. They are known for their explosive offense, led by quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2022.
For USC, the home opener against San Jose State will be a chance to showcase their new talent and set the tone for the season. Lincoln Riley will be looking for a strong performance from his team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Trojans have a number of talented players returning on defense, including star safety Calen Bullock and linebacker Shane Lee.
The game against San Jose State will also be an opportunity for USC to establish their identity under Riley. The Trojans are expected to play a fast-paced, high-scoring brand of football, and the home opener will be a chance for fans to get a glimpse of what’s to come.
Overall, the home opener against San Jose State is an important game for USC as they look to start the 2024 season on a high note and set the stage for a successful campaign.
Rivalry clash with Notre Dame
One of the most anticipated games on USC’s 2024 football schedule is the rivalry clash with Notre Dame, scheduled to take place on October 12th at Notre Dame Stadium.
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Historic Rivalry:
The USC-Notre Dame rivalry is one of the most storied and intense in college football history. The two teams have met 94 times since 1926, with Notre Dame holding a slight edge in the all-time series record (48-41-5).
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National Implications:
Both USC and Notre Dame are perennial contenders for the College Football Playoff, and their matchup in 2024 could have significant implications for the national championship race.
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Star Power:
The 2024 clash between USC and Notre Dame is likely to feature some of the top players in college football. USC will be led by quarterback Caleb Williams, one of the most exciting young players in the country, while Notre Dame will be led by quarterback Tyler Buchner, who is coming off a strong 2023 season.
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Home-Field Advantage:
Notre Dame will have the home-field advantage in 2024, which could be a significant factor in the outcome of the game. Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football, and the Fighting Irish have a strong record at home.
The rivalry clash with Notre Dame is always a special event for both teams and their fans. The 2024 matchup promises to be another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry.
Road test at Ohio State
One of the toughest challenges on USC’s 2024 football schedule is their road test at Ohio State on November 2nd. The Buckeyes are one of the top programs in the country and will be looking to avenge their loss to USC in the 2023 Rose Bowl.
Ohio State is led by head coach Ryan Day, who has compiled a 45-5 record in his four seasons at the helm. The Buckeyes have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2023. They also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and cornerback Denzel Burke.
USC will need to be at their best to pull off an upset in Columbus. The Trojans will need to find a way to slow down Ohio State’s offense and take advantage of their opportunities on offense. They will also need to play mistake-free football and avoid turnovers.
The road test at Ohio State will be a major test for USC’s College Football Playoff hopes. If the Trojans can pull off the upset, it will be a major statement to the rest of the country.
The game against Ohio State is also a chance for USC to show that they can compete with the best teams in the country. A win in Columbus would be a huge boost to the Trojans’ national championship hopes.
Pac-12 showdown vs. Oregon
One of the most important games on USC’s 2024 football schedule is their Pac-12 showdown against Oregon on November 9th at Autzen Stadium.
Oregon is one of USC’s biggest rivals in the Pac-12, and the two teams have been battling for conference supremacy for years. The Ducks are led by head coach Dan Lanning, who led Georgia to a national championship in 2021. Oregon has a high-powered offense led by quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2023. They also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Noah Sewell and cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
USC will need to be at their best to beat Oregon in Eugene. The Trojans will need to find a way to slow down Oregon’s offense and take advantage of their opportunities on offense. They will also need to play mistake-free football and avoid turnovers.
The Pac-12 showdown against Oregon is a huge game for USC’s Pac-12 championship hopes. A win in Eugene would give the Trojans a major boost in the Pac-12 standings and would put them in a strong position to win the conference title.
The game against Oregon is also a chance for USC to show that they are the top team in the Pac-12. A win in Eugene would send a message to the rest of the conference that the Trojans are the team to beat.
Rivalry game vs. UCLA
The annual rivalry game between USC and UCLA is one of the most anticipated events on the Pac-12 football schedule. The two teams are located just a few miles apart in Los Angeles, and the rivalry is always heated and competitive.
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Crosstown Rivalry:
The USC-UCLA rivalry is a crosstown rivalry, with the two schools located just a few miles apart in Los Angeles. The rivalry is always intense and passionate, as both schools compete for the support of the city.
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National Implications:
Both USC and UCLA are consistently ranked among the top teams in the Pac-12, and their rivalry game often has national implications. In recent years, the winner of the USC-UCLA game has often gone on to win the Pac-12 championship and compete in the College Football Playoff.
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Star Power:
The USC-UCLA rivalry often features some of the top players in college football. In recent years, the rivalry has been highlighted by players such as Caleb Williams, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Jordan Addison.
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Trophy Game:
The USC-UCLA rivalry game is also a trophy game, with the winner taking home the Victory Bell. The Victory Bell is a bronze bell that was first awarded to the winner of the rivalry game in 1939. The bell is currently on display at USC’s Heritage Hall.
The rivalry game against UCLA is always a special event for both teams and their fans. The 2024 matchup promises to be another memorable chapter in this historic rivalry.
Potential Pac-12 Championship rematch
If USC and Oregon both win their respective divisions in the Pac-12, they could potentially meet again in the Pac-12 Championship Game on December 6th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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Rematch of the Regular Season Showdown:
If USC and Oregon meet in the Pac-12 Championship Game, it would be a rematch of their regular season showdown on November 9th in Eugene. This would be a highly anticipated matchup, as both teams would be looking to avenge their regular season loss.
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National Championship Implications:
A Pac-12 Championship Game rematch between USC and Oregon could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff. If both teams enter the game with one loss or less, the winner would be in a strong position to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
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High Stakes:
The Pac-12 Championship Game is always a high-stakes game, but a rematch between USC and Oregon would be even more significant. Both teams would be playing for a Pac-12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
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History in the Making:
A Pac-12 Championship Game rematch between USC and Oregon would be a historic event. It would be the first time that two teams have met in the Pac-12 Championship Game twice in the same season.
The potential Pac-12 Championship rematch between USC and Oregon is one of the most anticipated games on the 2024 football schedule. It would be a rematch of two of the top teams in the Pac-12, with major implications for the College Football Playoff.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 USC football schedule:
Question 1: When is USC’s home opener in 2024?
Answer 1: USC’s home opener in 2024 is against San Jose State on September 7th.
Question 2: When and where is the rivalry game against Notre Dame in 2024?
Answer 2: The rivalry game against Notre Dame in 2024 is on October 12th at Notre Dame Stadium.
Question 3: When and where is the road test at Ohio State in 2024?
Answer 3: The road test at Ohio State in 2024 is on November 2nd at Ohio Stadium.
Question 4: When and where is the Pac-12 showdown against Oregon in 2024?
Answer 4: The Pac-12 showdown against Oregon in 2024 is on November 9th at Autzen Stadium.
Question 5: When and where is the rivalry game against UCLA in 2024?
Answer 5: The rivalry game against UCLA in 2024 is on November 23rd at the Rose Bowl.
Question 6: When and where is the potential Pac-12 Championship rematch in 2024?
Answer 6: The potential Pac-12 Championship rematch in 2024 is on December 6th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Question 7: What are the implications of the 2024 USC football schedule?
Answer 7: The 2024 USC football schedule is a challenging one, with the Trojans facing several top-ranked opponents. The schedule will have a major impact on USC’s Pac-12 championship hopes and their chances of making the College Football Playoff.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2024 USC football schedule. For more information, please visit the USC Athletics website.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. Now that you have a better understanding of the 2024 USC football schedule, you can start planning your game day experiences.
Tips
Here are a few tips for making the most of the 2024 USC football season:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early.
USC football tickets are always in high demand, so it’s important to buy your tickets early, especially for the big games. You can purchase tickets online through the USC Athletics website or through a ticket broker.
Tip 2: Arrive early on game day.
Traffic and parking can be a nightmare on game day, so it’s best to arrive early. This will give you plenty of time to find your seat and soak up the pre-game atmosphere.
Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking on game day, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be blisters ruining your day.
Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially on hot game days. Bring a water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout the game.
Tip 5: Be respectful of other fans.
USC football games are a great place to let loose and have fun, but it’s important to be respectful of other fans, even if they’re rooting for the other team. Remember, we’re all here to enjoy the game.
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These are just a few tips for making the most of the 2024 USC football season. With a little planning, you can ensure that you have a great time at every game.
We hope these tips have been helpful. Now that you know how to prepare for the 2024 USC football season, you can start looking forward to all the exciting games to come.
Conclusion
The 2024 USC football schedule is a challenging one, but it also presents a great opportunity for the Trojans to make a statement on the national stage. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, USC has the potential to compete for a Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Trojans will face several tough opponents in 2024, including Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, and UCLA. These games will be a test of USC’s strength and depth, but they will also be a chance for the Trojans to show the country what they’re made of.
If USC can navigate their challenging schedule and come out on top, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the College Football Playoff. The Trojans have a talented roster and a coaching staff that knows how to win. With a little luck, USC could be hoisting the national championship trophy at the end of the 2024 season.
Closing Message:
The 2024 USC football season is sure to be an exciting one. With a challenging schedule and a talented roster, the Trojans have the potential to do something special. We hope you’ll join us on the journey as USC looks to make a run at the College Football Playoff.