Lincoln Riley and USC are looking to make a statement in Week 1 of the 2025 college football season in their matchup with Missouri State. After going just 7-6 in their first year in the Big 10, the Trojans expect to compete at a much higher level with their feet now beneath them. Ahead of the college football Week 1 matchup, we will be making our USC-Missouri State bold predictions.

Although their 7-6 record suggests mediocrity, the Trojans were much better than their results indicated in 2024. USC only lost one game by double digits, its final matchup with No. 5-ranked Notre Dame. They suffered three “bad” losses to Minnesota, Maryland and Washington, but were otherwise competitive with Michigan and Penn State, while securing wins over LSU, Rutgers and Nebraska.

USC lost more starters

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