The USC Trojans are No. 9 in the new USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Trojans defeated Arizona to move to 7-1 on the season. What helped them rise two spots in the poll were the losses by Oklahoma State and Wake Forest, two teams which began the weekend in front of the Men of Troy.
There are some other notable details to pass along before we share the poll.
First, Ole Miss won at Texas A&M, but the Rebels have to play Alabama later this season. They are jostling with USC for New Year’s Six bowl positioning.
Second, four Pac-12 teams are in the top 12. The conference is actually top-heavy, not a parity festival. That’s good. That’s what the league needs more of (not that USC fans will care when the school thankfully leaves for the Big Ten).
Third, Penn State’s loss to Ohio State should rule out the Nittany Lions as a New Year’s Six bowl candidate. USC should be ahead of PSU if it finishes 10-2 or better.
Now, on with the poll: