The USC Trojans are sitting at a disappointing 3-3 record and have lost three of their last four games. Can they turn their season around despite a rough start?

The Lions’ offense is converting third-down chances at 52.8 percent, No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 7 in FBS. USC’s third-down defense has been elite. The Trojans allow a conversion rate of only 26.3 percent, No. 6 in FBS.

LB Mason Cobb: It appears unlikely that USC will have linebacker Eric Gentry, who missed the Minnesota game as well. Gentry was the most impactful playmaker for the Trojans defense, and USC needs someone to step up and make more plays in his absence. Cobb can’t produce those sorts of plays in the same way, but he’s capable of making some.