The Pac-12 and Big Ten have called off a scheduling partnership set to begin in 2017, it was announced today.

"We are disappointed to announce today that the Big Ten/Pac-12 strategic collaboration announced jointly in December 2011 unfortunately will not be consummated," Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said in a statement.

With the new college playoff football system in place, the nixed agreement might actually be better for USC in terms of its non-conference schedule.

Imagine a 2017 non-conference slate featuring Texas, Notre Dame and a Big 10 opponent like Michigan or Ohio State.

Yes, USC typically handles the Big 10 with rather ease (see Rose Bowl games), but I don't think any coach wants a schedule chalk full of top-tier opponents.