USC Football News: 5 Aspects of the Pac-12 USC is Happy to Forget

USC football is set to kick off its first Big Ten game this Sunday against LSU, marking a significant transition as the Trojans officially part ways with the Pac-12.

While the Pac-12 still exists in name, its relevance has diminished, especially for USC and the other schools that have moved on. As the Trojans embrace their new conference, there are several aspects of the Pac-12 that they won’t miss.

Lack of Exposure:

This was one of the biggest issues. The Pac-12 Network struggled to reach a wide audience, leaving many fans unable to watch games, even when they weren’t scheduled at odd hours.

This limited visibility was frustrating for a program like USC, which has a storied history and a large fan base.

Elevation:

Another challenge was playing at elevation. Teams visiting venues like Utah faced a significant disadvantage due to the high altitude, which took time to acclimate to. USC experienced this firsthand, impacting their performance in those matchups.

Pac-12 Officiating:

Officiating in the Pac-12 also drew criticism. Controversial calls and mistakes by referees often made headlines for the wrong reasons, frustrating players and fans alike. These issues contributed to a perception of inconsistency and unfairness in officiating.

Stanford Band:

They had their moments, but could also be annoyingly quirky and come off like they were trying too hard.

Performance:

Additionally, the dynamics within the conference were a concern. Despite USC’s strong performance and high ratings, the revenue-sharing model favored parity over rewarding success. This approach created financial disparities between USC and other elite programs, particularly those in the Big Ten and SEC.

As USC transitions to the Big Ten, these challenges from the Pac-12 will be left behind, allowing the Trojans to focus on new opportunities and rivalries in their new conference.