USC and Iowa will line up against each other in Week 12 for a crucial game in the Trojans’ bid to make the playoffs. However, we have a spoil sport that can ruin the experience for fans and teams alike.

The clouds will once again play a role for USC and Iowa today, as the Hawkeyes visit the Coliseum for the first time since 1976. Los Angeles has a 100% chance of rain, with The Weather Channel also predicting morning wind gusts. Unfortunately, it is also predicted that the showers would continue throughout the whole day.

The rain could reach about 1-2 inches as well. According to the LA Times, this could be the most rain to shower on downtown since 1985.

As of now, there is no serious threat on the game. No scheduling changes have been made; kickoff time is set for 3:30 pm ET. However, it does makes things a little risky for the home team.

Lincoln Riley still has a slim chance of making it to the playoffs, which is why he desperately needs to win this game at home. Iowa has already played in rainy conditions this season, though they haven’t won those games. But the rain will affect the Trojans’ offense. Riley relies on a balanced attack in which Jayden Maiava’s arm is as much needed as their run game. This is the first time in 9 years that USC will play in the rain at home. But this is not a first for USC this season.

The Trojans played Notre Dame in similar conditions, but unfortunately lost that game. But they did defeat Purdue in wet conditions, and Nebraska in cold weather. Lincoln Riley addressed the added threat of rain at a presser on Friday.

“The second half of the Notre Dame game was pretty significant, to where it really started to affect even what we were calling. It’s got to get pretty bad to be that way. The majority of these offensive guys, unless it’s just a complete downpour. We feel like we can function very close to normally, even if it’s wet,” he said.

Though Iowa is the underdog entering this game, the rain will make it difficult for USC. Here’s how the weather will force a change of plans in the Trojans camp.

USC will have to depend on the rushing attack

USC will be playing with a slippery ball today, which will make things difficult in both the passing and rushing games. It is expected that Riley will move towards a run-heavy offense because of the weather, though the passing game will very much be in action.

The Trojans will still have to depend immensely on King Miller. Proven rushers Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are out with injuries. QB Jayden Maiava has also had to step up with his run game. Freshman Harry Dalton is also a doubt, as he was seen in a boot this week.

A weakened rushing attack also has to focus on keeping the ball in their possession at all times. “I think you got to be aware of it from a just ball security standpoint. Obviously, holding on to a football that is wet is different. It’s still very doable, but you got to be really good with your ball security,” Riley added about the upcoming clash. Iowa’s front seven is a very physical unit, and will surely be planning to disrupt the Trojans offense.

The road up ahead still leads them to the playoffs. That’s why, USC needs to brave the new conditions and put up a tough fight against Iowa. The Hawkeyes were close to pulling off an upset over Oregon that too in a brutal weather. Let’s see who gets the best of the rain in this key matchup.