RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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USC football will play at Wisconsin on October 24 in a game the Trojans simply cannot afford to lose. Lincoln Riley's team will need to take care of business that day. However, in the larger workings of the Big Ten, the biggest game on that Saturday will be played in Ann Arbor. Michigan will host Indiana in a game which could significantly shape the conference title race and the chase for College Football Playoff spots.
What is especially noteworthy about Indiana-Michigan on October 24 is that the game occurs one week after both teams will play already-significant contests. Indiana faces Ohio State on October 17. On that same day, Michigan plays Penn State. The Hoosiers and Wolverines have to deal with high-end opponents and then turn around one week later and play each other.
If Indiana cannot beat Ohio State on the 17th, the game at Michigan on the 24th becomes hugely important for Curt Cignetti and his players. Let's imagine a world in which Indiana loses both games. The Hoosiers might lose confidence and become a lot more beatable when USC faces them on November 14 in Bloomington. If Indiana does lose twice, it also means that Indiana-USC in November could be a College Football Playoff elimination game for both teams. It's doubtful a team will go 9-3 and still get in the playoff.
Michigan is not on USC's schedule, but the Wolverines - if they beat Penn State and Indiana - could be in the playoff mix as a competitor to USC. It will be fascinating to see how and where the dominoes fall.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten season preview: How big will Indiana-Michigan be on Oct. 24?
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