College Football Playoff Hopeful USC Aims to Upset Oregon on Saturday

Historical trends suggest that the start time of the USC-Oregon game may provide an advantage to the Trojans. Both head coaches, Lincoln Riley for USC and Dan Lanning for Oregon, are facing significant pressures as they prepare for this crucial matchup.

Baylor University's athletic director Mack Rhoades has officially resigned after stepping away for personal reasons. His departure follows a brief leave of absence and also affects his role on the College Football Playoff committee. Rhoades had been in the position since 2016.

The college football season is approaching its conclusion, providing NFL Draft prospects with the opportunity to showcase their abilities. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, players' strengths and weaknesses will be further highlighted during the Bowl season and the College Football Playoff, influencing their draft positions.

Oregon Ducks' head coach Dan Lanning appeared on the Bear Bets podcast, where he discussed the upcoming rivalry game against USC and shared insights on Dante Moore's sophomore season. Lanning expressed optimism about the team's preparations and the significance of the match.

Lane Kiffin has had a tumultuous career marked by controversial exits from various coaching positions, including Tennessee, USC, and the Raiders. His departures have often been accompanied by drama, reflecting the challenges he faces in maintaining stability in his coaching career.

USC and Oregon are set to face off in Eugene, with significant implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP) on the line. The matchup is crucial as both teams vie for a better position in the playoff rankings. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding a private equity deal for the Big Ten Conference appear to be losing momentum.

Multiple potential College Football Playoff programs are currently facing a critical decision regarding the Bye Week. Teams must weigh the benefits of a weekend off against the potential challenges it presents in preparation for upcoming playoff games.

Alabama football's ranking has dropped to tenth in the Week 13 College Football Playoff rankings after their recent loss to Oklahoma, bringing their season record to 8-2. This ranking is considered too low given the performance of other teams ahead of them, raising concerns among fans and analysts about the criteria used for rankings.