CONTROVERSY: Is USC Ranked To High Or Too Low In The First AP Poll?

The USC Trojans opened up at No. 14 in the AP preseason poll, sparking debate about whether the rankings reflect fear or skepticism of Lincoln Riley’s squad. Can USC crack the top 10 before facing Oregon at the Coliseum? Marc Kulkin breaks down the Trojans’ path, highlighting high-profile matchups against Ohio State, as well as other games that will have a direct effect on USC, and explores how shifting schedules and early-season challenges could reshape the national conversation. Key segments include exclusive updates to USC’s defensive depth chart, standout performances from Kameryn  Crawford, Desman Stephens, and Deven Bryant, and heated mailbag questions on team secrecy, locker room leadership, and playoff expectations. Is defensive physicality trending upward, and do these Trojans have the "dog" mentality to chase a deep postseason run? With rivalry games and Big Ten tests looming, the spotlight is on USC’s home advantage and the pressure facing both veterans and rising freshmen. #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #oregonfootball, #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10. .   The Game Don't miss this chance to celebrate 40 years of The Game with 40% off your entire order. Visit https://TheGameCaps.com and use promo code LOCKEDONat checkout. 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMto play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) LISTEN: APPLE: https://apple.co/3Aveb9o SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3Reye1r GOOGLE: https://bit.ly/3bHmlAT Follow Marc! TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MarcKulkinCaIt   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.