USC secures a crucial win over Washington, but the national media shows little respect, dropping the Trojans to No. 19 in the AP poll despite their gritty 25-21 victory. Questions swirl about the legitimacy of the rankings and why computers and oddsmakers are giving Penn State the edge, even as the Trojans demonstrated resilience after their tough loss to Oregon.
USC secures a crucial win over Washington, but the national media shows little respect, dropping the Trojans to No. 19 in the AP poll despite their gritty 25-21 victory. Questions swirl about the legitimacy of the rankings and why computers and oddsmakers are giving Penn State the edge, even as the Trojans demonstrated resilience after their tough loss to Oregon.
Vegas quickly flips the script, moving the opening line from USC -1.5 to Penn State -1.5, while ESPN's FPI hands the Nittany Lions a 62% chance to win in their upcoming whiteout matchup. Are the Trojans being underestimated, or are the algorithms onto something? The stage is set for USC to embrace the underdog mentality and battle for national respect on the road in a hostile Happy Valley atmosphere.