So far in the Lincoln Riley era, the USC Trojans have been unable to qualify for the College Football Playoff , and for that to change, USC must win the key games against elite teams moving forward.  With the pressure that seems to be mounting on Riley and the Trojans, there is one matchup that could go a long way in not just determining USC’s season but also the landscape of the Big Ten.  Dec 30, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half during the Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Oregon Ducks at USC Trojans on Sept. 26 Without question, one of the most important games for the Trojans in the 2026 season is the matchup with the Oregon Ducks on Sept. 26 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.…