It appears the main issue here isn’t that a thread was started to discuss possible ranking rigging at USC, but that the thread was featured on the CC-talk home page. As I mentioned earlier, threads can be featured if a mod or admin feels the issue could garner interest from a broad section of the CC demographic and engage more members. Given the high profile of USC, they felt this was worthy of a front page placement and would lead to a lot of discussion. However, I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that CC is somehow against USC, or that a particular mod or admin is secretly a UCLA graduate/fan with a vendetta.
As for the removal of the thread discussing a CC bias toward USC, that could be construed as “discussing moderation”, which is a TOS violation. However, I believe the moderator removed it because students visiting the USC forum want helpful info on USC, not a heated exchange as to why CC seems to be against USC.