If Michigan had defeated Oklahoma and USC beaten ND, those two would be completely out of the playoff conversation as 3 loss teams, and instead it would be the Big 10 with 5 teams likely in the field.

USC is the only quality win ND has.

(11-30-2025 09:35 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  If Michigan had defeated Oklahoma and USC beaten ND, those two would be completely out of the playoff conversation as 3 loss teams, and instead it would be the Big 10 with 5 teams likely in the field.

USC is the only quality win ND has.

The other option was for PSU to have beaten its one score loss games. Alas, few things went the conference's way this year in regards to the playoffs.

(12-01-2025 06:32 PM)The Beaver Wrote:  

(11-30-2025 09:35 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  If Michigan had defeated Oklahoma and USC beaten ND, those two would be completely out of the playoff conversation as 3 loss teams, and instead it would be the Big 10 with 5 teams likely in the field.

USC is the only quality win ND has.

The other option was for PSU to have beaten its one score loss games. Alas, few things went the conference's way this year in regards to the playoffs.

Penn St let the Oregon loss snowball. Had they put that loss behind them, Franklin would still be employed in the Commonwealth of PA and the Nittany Lions end the season a 9 or 10 win team.

Michigan and USC have had nice recruits sign for '26. I'm watching PSU to see if they'll do ok without currently having a coach. They just signed another 4 ☆ and they are now at two 4 ☆ and one 3 ☆.

(11-30-2025 09:35 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  If Michigan had defeated Oklahoma and USC beaten ND, those two would be completely out of the playoff conversation as 3 loss teams, and instead it would be the Big 10 with 5 teams likely in the field.

USC is the only quality win ND has.

USC hasn't "taken care of business" against ND in 7 of the last 8 years and in 10 of the previous 12 years.

Expecting Lincoln Riley and USC to do so this season was pyrite.

Some schools just have another school's number and seem to own them.

Ohio State has ND's number. ND has USC's number.

(12-04-2025 10:13 AM)TerryD Wrote:  

(11-30-2025 09:35 PM)Fighting Muskie Wrote:  If Michigan had defeated Oklahoma and USC beaten ND, those two would be completely out of the playoff conversation as 3 loss teams, and instead it would be the Big 10 with 5 teams likely in the field.

USC is the only quality win ND has.

USC hasn't "taken care of business" against ND in 7 of the last 8 years and in 10 of the previous 12 years.

Expecting Lincoln Riley and USC to do so this season was pyrite.

Some schools just have another school's number and seem to own them.

Ohio State has ND's number. ND has USC's number.

USC had to go on the road after playing a tough Michigan team. In a rematch on a neutral field I think the advantage goes to USC.

ND definitely seems to put more emphasis on the rivalry than the Trojans, at least recently. The history is very streaky—lots of periods where one side dominates.