That's a three-spot jump for USC in the Coaches poll and nearly matches their season-high ranking of No. 16. It's a two-spot rise for the Trojans in the AP Poll and again just behind their season-high there of No. 16. The No. 17 ranking matches USC's spot in the College Football Playoff ranking released last week.
USC finished the regular season 9-3, including 7-2 in Big Ten play and is No. 4 in the conference standings, ahead of Michigan based on their head-to-head win. The Trojans went 7-0 in the Coliseum and now await their bowl game destination. Based on most projections, it looks like USC will likely be headed to the Alamo Bowl for a Top-25 matchup against the BYU Cougars.
Others receiving votes in AP Poll: Tennessee 71, Houston 57, Iowa 51, UNLV 33, New Mexico 20, South Florida 11, SMU 8, Iowa St. 4, Arizona St. 3, Louisville 3, UConn 3, North Dakota St. 3, Illinois 2, Washington 1, Pittsburgh 1, San Diego St. 1
Others receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Iowa 85; Houston 73; Missouri 52; SMU 28; Washington 18; UNLV 17; Pittsburgh 15; South Florida 12; Illinois 9; Louisville 6; Connecticut 6; TCU 5; Penn State 5; Old Dominion 2; New Mexico 2; Arizona State 2; San Diego State 1