Can I get back on track this week for the Trojans ' top 25 showdown in Champaign? There is only one way to find out. Here are five predictions for USC vs. Illinois: The Trojans have failed to score a touchdown on their opening offensive drive in each of the past three weeks. That changes on Saturday.

The Illini are tough to beat at home: Illinois will be happy to return to the newly-christened Gies Memorial Stadium, becuase they're 8-1 at home since the start of last season. Their only loss came to Minnesota last year, and two of the wins they picked up were against teams ranked at the time like USC currently is ( Kansas and Michigan ).

Rece Davis picks USC to beat Illinois, pointing to injuries, offensive power, and a chance for the Trojans to prove themselves in Big Ten play. USC enters 4-0 while Illinois looks to rebound from a tough loss.

The Trojans have rolled up 4 wins in 4 games, scoring at least 33 points in each outing. In 2 conference games, USC has gone for 39.0 points per game, but it's 0-2 against the spread (ATS) in those Big Ten contests. The Over has hit 3 of 4 games, too.

The unbeaten Trojans have an early Big Ten kickoff Saturday against the Illini, their first ranked opponent of the season as their schedule begins to ramp up.

USC hits the road against Illinois in a consequential Big Ten matchup between ranked postseason hopefuls on Saturday. Here is the latest prediction for the game

Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the Illinois Fighting Illini vs. USC Trojans game, Saturday, Sept. 27.

On Saturday, the USC football team travels to Champaign for a top 25 showdown with Illinois. After four victories over relatively overmatched teams to start the season, this will mark the Trojans ' first opportunity in 2025 against a ranked opponent.