Closing part of USC’s schedule isn’t as imposing as it once seemed

At the beginning of the season, USC’s schedule was ranked by many to be the toughest in the nation, and the most grueling stretch was saved for last.

It is a span of four games that begins Saturday with Oregon, followed by Washington, UCLA and Notre Dame.

All four opponents were ranked in the preseason. There was maybe no more difficult four-game stretch anywhere in the nation.

There’s since been a complication: three of those teams just aren’t any good — at least according to their records. Not only is Washington the only team ranked, it’s the only team with more wins than losses.

UCLA has lost its best player, quarterback Josh Rosen, for the season, a pain compounded by the fact that it has the nation’s worst run game. Notre Dame’s defense was bad enough that it fired its defensive coordinator midseason.

And Oregon’s defense is substantially worse. It ranks second-to-last nationally in total defense and fourth-to-last in scoring.

“Some teams haven’t played up to their expectations,” said safety Chris Hawkins, who enjoys binge-watching games across the country. “That’s including us. Whoever thought — we didn’t think we were going to be 1-3. But I mean, that’s what college football is all about. It’s not like the NFL where you can lose eight games and still make the playoffs.”

USC’s schedule overall is still strong. Jeff Sagarin’s computer ratings, which were once part of the now-defunct Bowl Championship Series, ranks it the eighth-hardest in the nation.

But it is now more front-loaded and more top heavy, with two unbeatens on the schedule: No. 1 Alabama and No. 5 Washington. Without them, USC’s opponents have exactly as many wins as losses.

“We still play some great teams,” Hawkins said. “Nobody thought UW was going to be the No. 5 team in the country. So hopefully we can take care of business, they take care of business, then we go up there for a big showdown next week.”

USC Coach Clay Helton cautioned that the records often don’t provide a full picture. Oregon, he said, was an example.

“You can’t tell yourself they’re 3-5,” Helton said. “I mean, they play a Nebraska team that’s in the top 25 and lose by three points and play a Colorado team that’s in the top 20 and lose by three points. They play Cal, which is a good football team, and they go to a double overtime. This team could easily be 6-2.”

The College Football Playoff committee was not similarly convinced. It ranked Washington below one-loss Texas A&M, a result of the Huskies’ fluffy schedule. Typically, the Pac-12’s North Division doesn’t have such issues. But Stanford, which has fallen from the top 25, and Oregon, haven’t helped Washington’s case.

With no shot at the playoff, the softer schedule is a stroke of fortune for USC, which likely must win out to have a good chance to win the South Division. USC is a three-score favorite against Oregon, and is likely to be favored in two of its final three games.

But, Helton said, “There’s so much football left to be played. You look four weeks from now, the whole landscape could change.”

Other Davis preps for carries

USC running backs Justin Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware watched practice Thursday from the sideline wearing street clothes. Davis hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle against Colorado more than three weeks ago. Ware hasn’t practiced since he sprained his ankle during Tuesday’s session.

USC will make a game-time decision on their status, Helton said, but he has said he doubts Davis will play.

That could thrust Dominic Davis into his biggest role yet backing up Ronald Jones II. He got ample carries early in the season, including in the fourth quarter of a close loss to Utah. He rushed for 89 yards against Arizona, including 85 on a single rush, USC’s longest of the season.

But last week, despite Justin Davis’ injury, Dominic Davis didn’t enter the game.

“The other two kids just got hot,” Helton said. “I talked to him about you never know when you’re opportunity’s going to come. You’ve got to keep preparing.

“If it’s his time, I know he’ll do a great job.”

Jones came alive last week, with 223 yards in 18 carries. Helton said he would be able to shoulder 25 carries, if needed.

Quick hits

Defensive back Jonathan Lockett has been ruled out for Saturday’s game, Helton said. … Oregon’s injury-ravaged defense has taken another hit, this time because of a suspension. Linebacker Eddie Heard, who has appeared in all eight games as a reserve, has been suspended following his arrest on suspicion of misdemeanor assault and harassment.

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand