USC's 2015 schedule hits the ground running

Published Jun. 26, 2015 3:48 p.m. ET

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USC will have just two games to get ready for a grueling 2015 season.

The Trojans open at home Arkansas State on Sept. 5 then face Idaho also at home the following week. Not exactly two teams that'll provide much of a threat before taking on the big boys.

ESPN's Kyle Bonagura writes that USC's toughest three-game stretch will come starting Sept. 19 against Pac-12 nemesis Stanford, followed by Arizona State on the road and then a hungry Washington team at home.

No doubt college football pundits and fans alike expect USC to roll over its first two opponents, especially at home. When Stanford comes to town, all eyes will be on the Trojans as they begin Pac-12 play before heading out to Tempe. Bonagura writes that the outcome will set the tone for the rest of the season.

"A loss against either would derail the season before it even had a chance to get going," he writes. "Maybe not all the way -- Oregon was able to rebound from a loss to Arizona last season -- but it would definitely kill the momentum they have entering a season with the highest of expectations."

While Washington doesn't exactly scream elite matchup, there's still a unique storyline.

"Though Stanford and Arizona State both figure to be difficult games, the third -- Washington -- might be more interesting from a storyline standpoint: USC coach Steve Sarkisian welcomes in a team full of players he coached and recruited," Bonagura writes. "Whether that provides a competitive advantage for either side can be debated, but it definitely adds to the intrigue."

Sept. 5 can't come soon enough.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports