Commentary: For USC football, what should it mean to be 'back'?
For many USC football fans, the team's success is judged by its national championship success. Texas fans are more satisfied with their team being back than with the previous performance. The Trojans' loss to Utah puts an end to their pursuit for 2022. In the four-team playoff format, they would need anarchy to break out down the stretch to have a shot at the ultimate prize.
Utah beat unbeaten USC in the final minute to win the game. The team's players and coaches are happy with the victory. The players are still working hard and their goals are not finished. They are rebuilding the team. It's not enough, but they are making progress. For them, the last seven weeks have been significant. Their rebuild is ahead of schedule. In the postgame quotes, they talk about their future success. This is a good sign for a team that is rebuilding.
Tennessee's win over Alabama and Georgia's loss to Georgia is a good omen for the playoff race. The Georgia-Tennesse winner feels like a lock, along with the Ohio State-Michigan winner and the Clemson-Univ. of California winner. UCLA is the Pac-12's lone unbeaten team and is trying to make the playoffs. The Bruins play at Oregon on Saturday. USC is still in the running. Alabama is in. If the Crimson Tide wins out and beats Georgia or Tennessee in an SEC title game, they'll be in too.
Georgia has games against Tennessee, Mississippi State and Kentucky.
Ohio State plays at Penn State, Michigan at Illinois and at Ohio State.
Tennessee plays Kentucky, at Georgia, and at South Carolina. Clemson plays Syracuse, Notre Dame and could play in the ACC championship game. Ole Miss plays Mississippi State, Louisiana State and Mississippi. UCLA and Texas Christian play against UCLA.
The Pac-12 championship race is down to four teams. The winner of UCLA-Oregon takes the driver's seat. If the loser loses to the winner, it's too early to start looking at tiebreaker scenarios.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate after his five-touchdown performance against Alabama. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is the perceived favorite. UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Michigan running back Blake Corum are also contenders. Bryce Young and USC's Williams are out of the running after losing on Saturday.
