### USC Trojans Face Northwestern Wildcats in Crucial Big Ten Showdown The USC Trojans are set to host the Northwestern Wildcats on Friday night in a pivotal Week 11 matchup of the 2025 college football season. With a record of 6-2, USC is striving to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, necessitating a win against Northwestern, who is looking to spoil those playoff aspirations while also aiming for bowl eligibility with their own 5-3 record. USC is currently ranked No. 19 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and despite recent close losses, they have notable victories that keep their playoff hopes alive. Northwestern, having rebounded from a rocky start, is on a roll with four wins in their last five games, making this matchup particularly intriguing as both teams have much at stake [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/northwestern_vs_usc_prediction_and_game_preview/s1_17615_43030299]. ### Breakdown of the Matchup and Key Factors 1. **Current Team Records and Rankings** - USC: 6-2 overall, 4-1 in Big Ten play, ranked No. 19. - Northwestern: 5-3 overall, 3-2 in Big Ten play. 2. **Playoff Implications** - USC needs to win to maintain playoff hopes, having suffered narrow defeats to Illinois and Notre Dame. - Northwestern aims to disrupt USC's playoff ambitions while securing their sixth win for bowl eligibility. 3. **Key Players to Watch** - USC's quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (289.4) and has shown resilience despite recent struggles [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/preview_usc_trojans_vs_northwestern_in_prime_time_friday_night/s1_16541_43027674]. - Northwestern's recent form includes a strong offensive showing, making them a formidable opponent. 4. **Betting Odds and Predictions** - USC is favored by 14.5 points, with a moneyline of -700 and a point total set at 51.5 [https://www.nbcsports.com/betting/college-football/news/no-20-usc-vs-northwestern-prediction-odds-expert-picks-team-and-player-news-trends-and-stats]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **USC's Performance**: - Notable wins include a 31-13 victory over Michigan and a 21-17 win against Nebraska. - Close losses to Illinois (34-32) and Notre Dame (34-24) highlight their competitive nature [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/northwestern_vs_usc_prediction_and_game_preview/s1_17615_43030299]. - **Northwestern's Recent Form**: - After starting the season 1-2, Northwestern has rebounded with four wins in five games, showcasing their ability to compete effectively [https://www.si.com/betting/northwestern-vs-usc-prediction-odds-and-key-players-to-watch-for-college-football-week-11-01k963vb5t4a]. ### Conclusion: A High-Stakes Encounter In summary, the upcoming game between USC and Northwestern is set to be a high-stakes encounter with significant implications for both teams. **USC must secure a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Northwestern seeks to clinch bowl eligibility and play spoiler.** The matchup promises to be exciting, with both teams showcasing strong performances in recent weeks. 1. **USC's playoff aspirations hinge on this game.** 2. **Northwestern aims to disrupt those plans while securing their own postseason berth.** 3. **Key players and recent performances will be critical in determining the outcome.** This game is not just a contest of skill but a battle of wills, making it a must-watch for college football fans [https://www.thespread.com/ncaaf-articles/northwestern-vs-usc-odds-picks-predictions-nov-7-2025].