let's say we beat Alabama by a slim margin, and they and a bunch of others have 1 loss. I mean you could make the argument that they would deserve to be there more than last year if that happens.
USuCk was 0-12 on 3rd down. Ran the ball for 38 yards. As for the undisputed "strength" of the team, the passing game, Barkley was 20 of 41 with no TDs and two INTs. If the season ends up like last year, with Alabama and LSU being undefeated and the only loss b/t the two to the other in a close game, I believe we'd get the rematch again over an 1-loss USuCk. I think it'd be almost impossible for USC to jump Bama or LSU, unless one or the other has more losses.
If the condoms weren't in such a big media market they would never be ranked top 5 every preseason. Why doesn't stanford get all the pus 10 love? After all they have beaten the condoms 4 straight times! USC, their dynasty and their existence in the top of the rankings is nothing more than a media creation.