Conquest Chronicles Staff Predictions: #4 USC Trojans vs Texas Longhorns

Game Day is upon us and the USC Trojans are looking to solidify their top-five ranking. A convincing victory over the Texas Longhorns will reaffirm their dominance against lesser competition and a few us here at Conquest Chronicles have an idea as to how that’ll happen.

Richard: The Trojans will keep rolling on—and it won’t be close.

Unlike seasons prior, USC has a balanced offensive attack. Typically the hype the Trojans have attained thus far would eventually derail their success. However, their success isn’t reliant on how Sam Darnold does, rather the efficiency of the running game powered by Ronald Jones II and Stephen Carr.

With the offensive pressures USC poses to Texas, the Longhorns cannot be completely committed to Chris Warren III and the running game—ultimately abandoning the run opting instead to their floundering passing game.

Look for defensive lineman Rasheem Green to boost his stock even further as he takes on Warren in the early quarters.

Trojans cruise to a 44-13 victory.

Nick: USC starts flat but finishes strong.

This is exactly the type of national spotlight statement game that Tom Herman is known for so while the Texas Longhorns have not looked impressive to say the least I do expect them to play better than we have seen so far from them. Frankly though, I’m not sure it is going to be enough. USC has incredible balance on offense and the defense continues to improve. I’m just not sure Texas has answers for both Darnold and the rushing attack. I’m also not sure the Texas offense will be able to keep pace with USC and win in a shootout.

USC wins 35-21

Matthew: Texas won’t go down that easy

Texas, just like USC, has athletes on both sides of the ball as well as some speed. These are also games Tom Herman thrives for, especially as an underdog (Herman is undefeated as an underdog).

I do expect Texas to get up for this game and come ready to play. USC on the other hand is coming off a statement win over Stanford, However they will be without linebacker Porter Gustin and defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu due to injury. We’ll see how that affects the Trojans defensively.

Early on this game will be a close one, but ultimately USC will pull away in the end.

USC- 38 Texas-27

Brendan: Texas comes to play

Texas will definitely be riding the underdog momentum heading into this game. Tom Herman knows how to rally the troops and has crafted great gameplans that stopped heisman winner Lamar Jackson and defeated Alabama in the CFB playoffs (as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State). He will find some way to get at Darnold and Texas will play well for majority of the first half.

However, a wave of Trojan scoring early second half will take the winds out of their sails. Ronald Jones II and Stephen Carr will punish the ‘Horns front seven later into the game. I think a nice little interception from Iman Marshall will be icing on the cake. In the end, USC cruises to their 12 straight victory.

USC-35 Texas-17