As I sit down to analyze the 2019 USC football schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety that comes with every new college football season. Having followed USC football for over a decade now, I've learned that each season brings its own unique narrative, and 2019 appears to be no different. The Trojans face what many experts are calling one of the most challenging schedules in recent memory, with several matchups that could define their season before it even properly begins.
Looking at the schedule, what immediately stands out to me is the brutal opening stretch. The Trojans kick off their campaign against Fresno State on August 31st, and while some might dismiss this as an easy opener, I've learned never to underestimate the Bulldogs. Last season, they finished 12-2 and won the Mountain West Conference championship. What worries me particularly is their balanced offensive approach - it reminds me of watching volleyball matches where players like Irah Jaboneta demonstrate remarkable versatility. In one memorable game, Jaboneta delivered what I'd call a near triple-double performance with 13 points, nine digs, and eight receptions. That kind of all-around excellence is exactly what makes teams like Fresno State so dangerous - they can hurt you in multiple ways. Similarly, when I look at players like Joan Monares, who contributed 10 markers, six digs, and five receptions while hitting the game-winning attack, I see the type of clutch performance USC will need to counter throughout their schedule.
The non-conference slate doesn't get any easier with BYU and Notre Dame looming. Personally, I've always found the Notre Dame rivalry particularly fascinating - it's one of those historic matchups where records often go out the window. Last time these teams met in South Bend, the Trojans suffered a heartbreaking 49-14 loss that still stings when I think about it. This year's edition in South Bend on October 12th could very well determine whether this season is considered successful or disappointing. What many casual fans might not realize is how much these rivalry games impact recruiting battles throughout California and beyond. When USC performs well against Notre Dame, it sends a powerful message to high school prospects considering both programs.
Conference play brings its own set of challenges, starting with what I believe is the most crucial stretch of the season - consecutive games against Utah, Washington, and Oregon. The October 19th matchup against Utah particularly concerns me because of their physical style of play. Having watched Utah develop into a Pac-12 powerhouse over recent years, I'm convinced their blueprint for success - strong defense and methodical offense - poses exactly the type of challenge that has troubled USC in recent seasons. The numbers don't lie - Utah has won three of the last five meetings, and their defensive front seven might be the best in the conference.
When we talk about Washington on November 2nd, I'm immediately drawn to the quarterback matchup. This game could feature two of the nation's top NFL prospects under center, and having evaluated both players extensively, I give the slight edge to Washington's quarterback in terms of decision-making. However, USC's signal-caller has the better arm talent in my assessment. These subtle advantages often determine outcomes in evenly matched contests, much like how in volleyball, a player like Monares can swing momentum with a single game-winning attack after contributing steadily throughout with 10 markers and six digs.
The regular season finale against UCLA on November 23rd deserves special attention, not just because it's a rivalry game, but because of how much both programs have changed since last year's meeting. Having attended the 2018 matchup, I witnessed firsthand how coaching changes can dramatically alter a team's identity. UCLA's new offensive scheme under Chip Kelly showed flashes of brilliance late last season, and by this point in the schedule, they'll have had nearly a full year to refine their system. What worries me is USC's recent tendency to play down to their competition in rivalry games - they can't afford to overlook the Bruins regardless of their record.
Throughout analyzing this schedule, I keep returning to the concept of balanced contribution that we see in other sports. Just as a volleyball player like Jaboneta can impact a game through scoring, digging, and receiving, USC will need contributions from all three phases of their team to navigate this challenging schedule successfully. The defense must create turnovers, the special teams need to win the field position battle, and the offense has to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Too often in recent years, I've watched USC teams that were strong in one or two areas but deficient in others - that imbalance simply won't cut it against this caliber of competition.
What gives me hope, though, is the talent level USC continues to attract. Having followed their recruiting classes closely, I'm convinced this roster has the raw ability to compete with anyone on their schedule. The question has never been about talent - it's about development, scheme, and perhaps most importantly, mental toughness. The teams that succeed against difficult schedules like this one are those that can bounce back from adversity, much like how elite athletes across sports maintain their performance levels despite setbacks. When I see statistics like Jaboneta's 13 points, nine digs, and eight receptions or Monares' 10 markers, six digs, and five receptions, I'm reminded that consistent contribution across multiple categories often separates good teams from great ones.
As I reflect on the entire schedule, the game that might ultimately define USC's season isn't against a traditional powerhouse or historic rival. The September 20th contest against Utah could very well set the tone for their conference campaign. Having watched Utah's program evolve under Kyle Whittingham, I respect their consistent physicality and disciplined approach. USC will need to match that physicality while leveraging their superior team speed - it's a fascinating stylistic matchup that I believe will reveal much about both teams' ceilings this season.
The 2019 schedule presents both tremendous challenges and incredible opportunities for USC football. While some analysts might view this as a rebuilding year, I see it differently - this is exactly the type of schedule that can accelerate a team's development if approached correctly. The early tests against Fresno State and Stanford will reveal the team's character, while the mid-season gauntlet against Washington, Oregon, and Notre Dame will determine their resilience. By season's end, we'll know whether this team merely had potential or whether they transformed that potential into meaningful achievements. As someone who's followed this program through ups and downs, I'm cautiously optimistic that the challenges of this schedule will bring out the best in this team rather than break them.