USC is 13-3, but for the Trojans to earn national respect and perhaps even convince its own fans, it needs a victory over No. 7-ranked Arizona today at the Galen Center.
Although the Wildcats lost to UCLA on Thursday night, USC would still register its most important victory of the season if it can upset Arizona. The Trojans are 10-0 at home, their best start at home since 2001, so it is not unreasonable to think USC might win.
It is also possible the Trojans might crack the top 25 polls with a victory over a top-10 opponent.