The No. 15 USC Trojans' chances at reaching the College Football Playoff are on the line against the No. 7 Oregon Ducks on Saturday in Eugene. If the Trojans beat the Ducks, what are their chances of getting into the postseason?

USC football 's game this Saturday against Oregon represents an unofficial elimination game. Win, and the Trojans will be in position to secure a College Football Playoff berth with a win against UCLA. Lose, and the USC will find itself in another bowl game that few fans care about.

USC faces a tricky path to the CFP even if it wins out, largely because of its October loss at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are currently in the field, and if both teams finish undefeated, that head-to-head defeat could create a dilemma for the selection committee, potentially leaving the Trojans on the outside despite a strong finish.

After overcoming a double-digit deficit in heavy rain to be then-ranked No. 21 Iowa 26-21, the USC Trojans moved one step closer to what once felt improbable: a

Last week, USC came in at No. 17 in the second College Football Playoff rankings of the season. After earning a 26-21 comeback victory over Iowa on Saturday, the Trojans rose two spots, and are now ranked No. 15.