Some USC fans might be upset that LSU is ranked ahead of the Trojans in the College Football Playoff rankings. It’s understandable to be frustrated, angry, or caught off guard. A lot of people certainly expected USC to move up to No. 5 behind No. 4 TCU, and thereby move into playoff position after the Ohio State-Michigan loser drops out of the top four.
However, LSU has a win over Alabama, which ESPN and the SEC will elevate over anything USC does in the Pac-12. We know how this game is played. We also know that since LSU plays Georgia in a few weeks, the Tigers will have their ultimate proving-ground moment. If they do upset the defending national champions and win the SEC title, that’s going to be a problem for USC regardless of whether the Trojans are currently No. 5 or No. 6. That threat existed regardless of Tuesday’s rankings.
There’s a key point to be made here, though: Lincoln Riley should be loving this. He really should. It’s great for him as he prepares this team for Notre Dame.
We’ll explain below: