Are the USC Trojans underrated at No. 14 in the preseason edition of the US LBM Coaches Poll, presented by USA TODAY Sports? Probably not. USC has to earn its College Football Playoff (i.e., top-12) spot. The Trojans have not earned the benefit of the doubt. Another team which has not earned the benefit of the doubt is Trojan opponent Penn State. The Nittany Lions are overrated in the estimation of College Sports Wire:"Penn State'sdecision to fire James Franklin last season was bold, and it created the imperative to land a home-run hire who would raise the ceiling in Happy Valley. Though Matt Campbell has been one of the most successful coaches in the country over the last decade, it's hard to see the Nittany Lions reaching new horizons in Year 1. Campbell's unit is heavily portaled and includes quite a few formerIowa Stateplayers, including quarterback Rocco Becht. Penn State should be ranked entering the season, but I question how this import will fare in the Big Ten. I would have ranked Campbell's squad in the 20s, not at No. 17."USC versus Penn State figures to be a College Football Playoff elimination game. It seems the loser of this game will have a very hard time going 10-2, which is what both teams will need to make the College Football Playoff.Contact/Follow@TrojansWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofUSC Trojansnews, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC Big Ten opponent viewed as overrated in US LBM Coaches Poll