BIG 10 SQUAD: The Big 10 is REELING | Can USC RESPOND?
Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & BasketballShow Notes
Big Ten faces scrutiny as Michigan’s controversial win sparks debate—can the conference restore its reputation before playoff selections loom? The Big 10 Squad breaks down the FBS Oversight Committee’s ruling on the Michigan–Western Michigan officiating drama and question the value of public apologies with no actual remedies. With underwhelming showings from Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and more, is Indiana really the conference’s best hope for national championship glory?
The panel spotlights UCLA’s momentum, USC’s 30-point fourth-quarter leads, and Washington’s offensive woes—while poking fun at Purdue’s heartache and Maryland’s September hot streak. Are the Big Ten’s marquee teams ready to step up, or will non-traditional contenders like Maryland and Indiana carry the torch? Matchups to watch include Colorado at Northwestern and Virginia Tech at Maryland, with playful shots and bold predictions adding intrigue to the Big Ten’s unpredictable landscape.
More from Locked On USC - Daily Podcast on USC Trojans Football & Basketball
USC’s powerhouse 2026 recruiting class is already making noise—four true freshmen, including Trent Mosley, Mark Bowman, and Luke Wafle, are racking up All-American honors and fueling the Trojans’ push for a playoff spot. Can this youth movement propel USC to historic heights, or will tougher tests await? Marc Kulkin spotlights big breakout moments, explosive stats, and All-American snubs, raising crucial questions about national recognition for rising stars like Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. The spotlight shifts to the dominant USC offensive line, led by Elijah Paige and orchestrated by coach Zach Hanson. With Paige earning midseason first-team All-American status and the entire unit landing on the Joe Moore Award Honor Roll, the Trojans enjoy remarkable protection and run support for Jayden Maiava. Kulkin also tackles the growing chaos of NIL and transfer portal realities, using Oregon State’s Jesse LeGree as a flashpoint—are unchecked player bids changing the face of college football forever? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
UCLA’s playoff surge stuns the Big Ten as Julian Sayin’s injury shakes up the race—could the Bruins overshadow Ohio State and Iowa for a spot in the College Football Playoff?
The USC Trojans gear up for a high-stakes showdown under the lights at Camp Randall—can Jayden Maiava out duel Wisconsin Badgers’ defense and secure a road victory? The conversation spotlights Maiava’s pocket presence, USC’s young receiving corps, and the challenge Sebastian Cheeks poses to USC’s offensive line. Playoff ambitions, defensive battles, and the pressure on head coaches Lincoln Riley and Luke Fickell raise the stakes even further. Marc Kulkin and Ryan Herrings debate whether Wisconsin’s run game can crack USC’s front and if Colton Joseph’s mobility will exploit USC’s weaknesses. Special teams, third-down efficiency, and impact players like Trojans freshman Luke Wafle and Badgers tight end Jacob Harris get key attention. Can the Badgers protect home turf, or will the Trojans’ high-powered offense spoil the party? Don’t miss this packed preview and prediction for one of the Big Ten’s most anticipated matchups. #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
The USC Trojans eye a crucial victory as they travel to face Wisconsin, with fans wondering: can Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense overcome persistent defensive woes? Jayden Maiava, praised for his poise behind one of the nation’s best offensive lines, leads the charge—yet concerns linger over USC’s ability to stop opponents, as national championship-caliber defense remains elusive. Marc Kulkin and Marvin Powell III break down key matchups, including how USC’s run game and pass attack stacks up against Wisconsin’s stout defense. Insights on Gary Patterson’s defensive scheme, the evolution of NIL-driven recruiting, and the impact of player development under coach Zach Hansen fuel debate. Plus, the duo explores the potential trap-game danger, weighs playoff implications, and debates whether the expanded 24-team playoff format will bring real contenders or just more chaos to college football’s postseason. #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #wisconsinbadgers #ucla #indianahoosiers #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball
The Wisconsin Badgers’ struggling passing attack faces off against USC Trojans’ vulnerable secondary—can Gary Patterson’s defense finally step up? The matchup pits Wisconsin’s mobile quarterback Colton Joseph and leading receiver Tyrell Henry against a USC unit giving up over 239 passing yards per game. With both teams eager to rebound after the Badgers loss to UCLA and USC's bye week, the spotlight falls on strategic adjustments and whether the Trojans will trust their athletes to play more aggressive, man coverage at the line of scrimmage. Marc Kulkin digs into USC’s defensive game plan, highlights key stats, and addresses why Gary Patterson’s zone-heavy scheme continues despite mixed results. Hot topics include Lincoln Riley’s thoughts on the soon-to-be-expanded 24-team playoff, frustrations with AP poll biases, and questions on roster decisions like the left tackle rotation. Listener comments spark debate on substitution rules and the true impact of “star” recruiting rankings. Will USC’s playoff push survive back-to-back Big Ten road tests? #USC #USCFootball #APPoll #PennStateFootball #USCTrojans #oregonfootball, #JaydenMaiava #LincolnRiley #collegefootball #BigTenfootball #kingmiller #sec #ohiostatefootball