If the current bowl projections are correct, USC will play Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Based on the College Football Playoff poll, it’s a fairly even matchup because the Buckeyes are ranked No. 8 and the Trojans are No. 11.

But does anyone feel like this would be a close game today?

Ohio State is far from perfect but it does not typically self-destruct in games. If USC’s been consistent about anything this season, it struggles against teams that do not suffer meltdowns. Just look at how USC fared against Notre Dame and to a lesser extent, Washington State.

The Trojans do not own a victory over a team currently ranked in the top 15. Less-than-average teams like Texas, Utah and UCLA pushed USC for four quarters.

When some wonder why USC could win 10 games this season or 16 straight at the Coliseum and still have a disillusioned fan base, the answer is simple: The fans have eyes.

>>Linebacker Cameron Smith has told some teammates he intends to return for his senior season.

>>Although Sam Darnold and Ronald Jones are the big names who must decide whether to turn pro, just as vital to the coaches will be the decision of defensive tackle Rasheem Green, who has been one of USC’s top players this season.

>>Chip Kelly is the hottest coaching candidate in college football today. Remember two years ago, then-USC athletic director Pat Haden said he never spoke to Kelly in his search to replace Steve Sarkisian.

That might haunt USC if Kelly gets hired at UCLA.

>>USC coach Clay Helton is a strong supporter of defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. But if Athletic Director Lynn Swann wants to make a change, here’s some statistical fodder:

UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen’s 421 yards passing was the sixth-most yards by an opponent in USC history. The top six marks all occurred at the Coliseum. Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann’s 526 yards in 1970 remains the record. Colorado quarterback Steven Montez’s 376 yards places 18th.

UCLA wide receiver Jordan Lasley’s 204 yards receiving was the sixth-most yards by a receiver by an opponent. UCLA wide receiver Theo Howard’s 11 receptions were the seventh-most by a receiver.

Notre Dame tailback Josh Adams’ 191 yards were the 16th-most by an opponent since 1946 while Penn State’s Saquon Barkley’s 194 yards in the Rose Bowl placed 14th.

>>Helton said after the UCLA game that USC “won a city and state title this year.”

A state title? Helton referred to USC defeating UCLA, Stanford and California. It’s not the first time USC’s accomplished such a feat but previous coaches were probably focused on bigger things than beat the state’s other football schools.

What about San Diego State? Does it count? And what happens if Stanford goes to the Pac-12 title game and upsets USC? Do the Cardinal share the state title? Only Helton can answer this question.

>>After USC defeated UCLA, 28-23, former star tailback LenDale White tweeted: “That was average at best. (Thanks) for the victory but definitely not impressed.”

Maybe that is why so many fans left without cheering as time expired.

>>What does USC have in common with Northern Illinois? Both were tied with Western Michigan, 28-28, in the fourth quarter. Some predicted Western Michigan would go 11-1 after giving USC a tough game. The Broncos are 6-5.

>>Helton has been a traditionalist when it comes to USC’s uniform. But against the UCLA, the Trojans’ look was altered because some players wore red tights while others wore red sleeves that covered their ankle and calf, which made it look like they wore red socks. USC has not worn red socks since Lane Kiffin was coach.