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The highlight match-up is October 19 in South Bend where the Trojans have defeated Notre Dame five consecutive times. However, the Fighting Irish have won two of the last three in the match-up, and are coming off a 12-1 campaign.
USC opens the season with three of four against non-conference opponents.
The Trojans will face Hawaii for the third time in four years. Norm Chow's team is coming off a 3-9 season, and the Warriors have never beaten USC (0-8 all-time).
After the Coliseum opener against Washington State, USC will remain home for back-to-back non-conference battles against Boston College and Utah State. BC is the bigger name on paper, but the Eagles are rebuilding after a 2-10 season. On the other hand, do not overlook Utah State which went 11-2 last year, including 6-0 in the WAC, and returns the quarterback and starting offensive line from a potent attack.
Brian Kelly has restored competitive balance to the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football.
(Photo by John McGillen)
