As a longtime USC football analyst who's been covering this program for over a decade, I still get that familiar thrill when the new schedule drops each year. The 2019 USC football schedule presents what I consider one of the most challenging slates in recent memory, and I've been studying these matchups since they were first announced. Looking at the calendar, I'm particularly intrigued by how this team will handle the pressure of early conference games while developing the chemistry needed for a successful season.
When I analyze football schedules, I always look for those pivotal moments that can define a season, and USC has several in 2019. The season opens with Fresno State on August 31st at the Coliseum, which should provide a solid test against a respectable Mountain West opponent. What really catches my eye though is that brutal stretch starting in late September where the Trojans face Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame in consecutive weeks. Having covered this team through multiple coaching changes, I can tell you that stretch will either make or break their season. The Washington game on September 28th stands out to me as particularly crucial - Chris Petersen always has his teams prepared, and the Huskies' disciplined approach could exploit any lingering inconsistencies in USC's system.
The middle portion of the schedule brings what I'd call the "make or break" segment, beginning with that October 19th showdown at Notre Dame. Having attended this rivalry game multiple times, I can attest to the electric atmosphere at South Bend, where the Trojans have had mixed results over the years. Then comes what I'm personally most excited about - the November 2nd matchup against Oregon at the Coliseum. The Ducks' high-powered offense versus USC's defensive schemes should be absolutely fascinating to watch. I've got this one circled on my calendar as a potential classic that could have major implications for the Pac-12 South race.
What's interesting to me about analyzing these matchups is how individual performances can shift entire games, much like we saw in that remarkable volleyball performance where Irah Jaboneta delivered 13 points, nine digs, and eight receptions while Joan Monares contributed 10 markers, six digs, and five receptions including the game-winning attack. Those numbers demonstrate how different players can step up in crucial moments, and I expect we'll see similar heroics from various USC players throughout this challenging schedule. The parallel between volleyball's balanced attack and football's need for multiple contributors isn't lost on me - successful teams always have unexpected players rise to the occasion.
The final stretch of the season features what I consider somewhat favorable matchups against Arizona State and California before the traditional finale against UCLA on November 23rd. Having covered this rivalry for years, I can confidently say that regardless of either team's record, the USC-UCLA game always delivers drama and intensity. The Bruins will be looking to play spoiler, and I've seen too many seasons where this game turned expectations upside down. Personally, I believe the Trojans match up well against UCLA's schemes this year, but rivalry games often defy logic and statistics.
Looking at the schedule holistically, I count at least eight games that could genuinely go either way depending on USC's development throughout the season. The road games at Washington, Notre Dame, and Arizona State particularly concern me, as those venues have been challenging for USC in recent years. However, I'm optimistic about their chances at home against Oregon and Utah, where the Coliseum crowd could provide that crucial extra boost. The key will be surviving that difficult mid-season stretch with both health and confidence intact.
What really stands out to me about this schedule is the balance between early tests and potential recovery games. The September 7th matchup against Stanford will reveal a lot about this team's character early in the season, while the October 12th game at Colorado provides what should be a welcome respite before that tough Notre Dame contest. Having followed college football for decades, I've learned that championship teams often need these "breather" games to regroup and refine their strategies.
In my professional opinion, this schedule sets up for either a breakthrough season or a rebuilding year with no in-between. The Trojans face five opponents who finished last season ranked in the top 25, which represents one of the nation's most demanding slates. However, I've always believed that great programs embrace these challenges rather than shy away from them. The development of young players will be crucial, particularly during that demanding three-game stretch against ranked opponents in September and October. If USC can emerge from that gauntlet with at least two victories, I like their chances to contend for the Pac-12 title. The schedule is undoubtedly tough, but as I often tell fellow analysts, championship teams aren't built through easy pathways - they're forged in the fire of competition against the nation's best.
How to Download and Install NBA 2K19 APK and OBB Files on Android