Southern California wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, left, makes a catch as UCLA defensive back Fabian Moreau defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

 Mark J. Terrill

Season: 9-3, 7-2

College Football Playoff ranking: No. 11

MVP: QB Sam Darnold (2,633 passing yards, 26 TD, 8 INT)

ESPN Bowl projection: Rose Bowl

Huh? What just happened? How strange of a season has it been for the Trojans? After non-conference play Nice Guy Clay Helton felt like a near-lock to be fired. This week, a Las Vegas ranking had the Trojans rated the third-best teamโ€ฆin the nation. If not for a late-game loss to Utah, the Trojans mightโ€™ve had a real shot at the playoff. What led the turnaround? Hey Darnold!

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