How Much Help Did USC Get During The Bye Week

We all saw the initial College Football Playoff rankings, and let's just say the committee didn't exactly cover itself in glory. USC had another week off, giving the Trojans some time to rest, regroup, and apparently find out where the selection committee thinks they belong.

The last time USC had a bye week, the Trojans moved up three spots in the regular polls. Of course, a week later, they had fallen completely out of the rankings. So much for that.

Then again, who knows?

It looks like the Trojans play their best football in the eyes of AP voters when they're on a bye week. USC moved up from No. 18 to No. 15 in the newest poll.

This time, the stakes are a little different when the next CFP rankings come out because the calculus has changed.

When the initial rankings were released, USC was coming off its statement victory over Ohio State. However, the Buckeyes have since suffered another loss, and a bad one at home, to boot. What initially looked like an impressive résumé-building victory may not carry quite the same weight in the eyes of the committee. The 6-3 Buckeyes have now dropped to No. 21 in the AP Poll.

So, while the Trojans were enjoying a week away from the field, some of the results around the country may have done them more harm than good.

It's hard to say. However, I'm not so sure the Trojans got a lot of help during their week off before the next CFP poll is released.

The Bruins remained undefeated with an impressive road win over Minnesota. That helps set up the Crosstown Showdown. USC's marquee victory over Ohio State a week earlier has suddenly taken on a different perspective, and not a good one. It also breathes life into Oregon a little bit. Notre Dame found some more Irish luck in South Bend when the officials gifted the Fighting Irish a win.

The Irish got their statement win and should now be able to coast into the playoff field with their remaining schedule and that special bylaw everyone apparently agreed to. -- Idiots.

Combine that with teams directly ahead of USC taking care of business, the SEC paying off the committee, or at least the appearance. And it's starting to feel like the Trojans have their work cut out for them.

Even if they win their final three games, there may be more obstacles standing between USC and a playoff berth than there were just seven days ago.