Illinois, at least on paper, will be No. 21 USC’s toughest opponent of the season so far and marks the start of a stretch of games that will steadily increase in difficulty.

After playing four unranked teams, the Trojans now turn to the No. 23 Illini before ramping up the competition with games against No. 19 Michigan and No. 22 Notre Dame.

“Where everybody’s ranked at the end of the season is really what matters,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley told reporters after practice Wednesday. “I know they’re a good football team. We know that. We know it’s going to be a good atmosphere, a real experienced team.

“We understand the quality of it, but I mean, I think it’s just kind of the next battle.”

In addition to a step up in competition, USC will also be handling a dramatic difference in star

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