No. 4 Oregon (8-0, 5-0) at No. 17 (6-2, 4-2)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 4 p.m. PT on FOX
Duck to Watch: Freshman QB Marcus Mariota
Oregon running backs Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas are known entities, but Mariota is new to the rivalry. Lane Kiffin has touted the redshirt freshman as the best quarterback of the Chip Kelly era in Eugene. The numbers back it up. He has thrown 18 TDs to only 5 INTs as a passer, while also tormenting defenses as the top rushing quarterback in the Pac-12 (47 rush yards per game and 3 TDs). However, this is by far the biggest test of his young career.
Click the link for more on the Ducks: 9-USC1.pdf
3 Keys
Tackle, Tackle, Tackle
The most underrated play of USC's win over Oregon last year was Jawanza's Starling's open field tackle-for-loss to push the Ducks final field goal attempt back a few yards. Starling was one of many Trojans that night who made plays to keep Oregon from breaking off its customary long runs. The pressure will be on the back seven to force the Ducks into extended drives by holding the edge and bringing down shifty ball carriers.
Third Quarter
If the Trojan Family shows up in full voice and clad in cardinal as expected, USC should come out on fire. However, the Trojans have struggled after halftime this season. Oregon has barely had to play its starters in the second half so far this year, but historically, the Ducks wear opponents down with their uptempo offense. To win this game, USC will have to turn around a lot of 2012 trends (penalties, turnovers, etc.), but third quarter energy and adjustments will swing the momentum.
Remember the Feeling
Was 2011 that long ago? The pundits talk about Oregon as if the Ducks are invincible. And maybe so... But wasn't it only a year ago that the Trojans went into Eugene and spoiled Oregon's national championship hopes by dominating the Ducks for three quarters. USC brought back a similar team, and so did Oregon. If the Trojans can find the disciplined swagger that made November 2011 a special month, why can't they make a run for the 2012 Pac-12 title?
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 4 p.m. PT on FOX
Duck to Watch: Freshman QB Marcus Mariota
Oregon running backs Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas are known entities, but Mariota is new to the rivalry. Lane Kiffin has touted the redshirt freshman as the best quarterback of the Chip Kelly era in Eugene. The numbers back it up. He has thrown 18 TDs to only 5 INTs as a passer, while also tormenting defenses as the top rushing quarterback in the Pac-12 (47 rush yards per game and 3 TDs). However, this is by far the biggest test of his young career.Click the link for more on the Ducks: 9-USC1.pdf
3 Keys
Tackle, Tackle, Tackle
The most underrated play of USC's win over Oregon last year was Jawanza's Starling's open field tackle-for-loss to push the Ducks final field goal attempt back a few yards. Starling was one of many Trojans that night who made plays to keep Oregon from breaking off its customary long runs. The pressure will be on the back seven to force the Ducks into extended drives by holding the edge and bringing down shifty ball carriers.
Third Quarter
If the Trojan Family shows up in full voice and clad in cardinal as expected, USC should come out on fire. However, the Trojans have struggled after halftime this season. Oregon has barely had to play its starters in the second half so far this year, but historically, the Ducks wear opponents down with their uptempo offense. To win this game, USC will have to turn around a lot of 2012 trends (penalties, turnovers, etc.), but third quarter energy and adjustments will swing the momentum.
Remember the Feeling
Was 2011 that long ago? The pundits talk about Oregon as if the Ducks are invincible. And maybe so... But wasn't it only a year ago that the Trojans went into Eugene and spoiled Oregon's national championship hopes by dominating the Ducks for three quarters. USC brought back a similar team, and so did Oregon. If the Trojans can find the disciplined swagger that made November 2011 a special month, why can't they make a run for the 2012 Pac-12 title?
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