Composite projection engine
Matchup Simulator
Color clash detected — USC is shown in their alternate road accent for contrast.
Positional unit index — 0 to 100 scale
50 = FBS average · 72+ = Top 25 level · 90+ = elite national top five. Week 3 weighting: 60% preseason roster talent + 40% live 2026 game EPA.
+8.4 USC advantage — 20-point index gap over Rutgers (passing EPA per play, completion rate and yards per attempt). USC Top 25 level.
+5.5 USC advantage — 13-point index gap over Rutgers (explosive pass rate and yards per target). USC Above average.
+8.0 USC advantage — 19-point index gap over Rutgers (yards per carry, line yards and rush EPA). USC Above average.
+6.7 USC advantage — 16-point index gap over Rutgers (line yards against stuff rate). USC Above average.
+8.8 USC advantage — 21-point index gap over Rutgers (pass-block win rate against pressure rate). USC Above average.
+10.1 USC advantage — 24-point index gap over Rutgers (passing EPA against coverage efficiency). USC Above average.
+8.0 USC advantage — 19-point index gap over Rutgers (pressure differential in the trenches). USC Above average.
+2.9 USC advantage — 7-point index gap over Rutgers (coverage grade against target efficiency). USC Above average.
Projections use opponent-adjusted efficiency, SOS, and unit-level grades derived from live 2026 team data.