This is why I feel USC needs the Alabama game. Pete Carroll played at Auburn (2003), at Arkansas (2005), at Nebraska (2007), at Ohio State (2009) and Virginia Tech on a neutral field (2004).
Who has USC played in recent years? Minnesota. Syracuse? Virginia? This is not a probation-related issue because schedules get made in advance. But the schedule’s been lousy lately and the only marquee games in the next 10 years are Tennessee and Texas.
USC used to be known for its schedule and could throw it in the face of SEC teams. But there’s been a real quality dropoff lately.