Preview: Oregon’s perfect season put on the line against USC
This Saturday has number two ranked and undefeated Oregon Ducks flying down to southern California to fight the USC Trojans in an anticipated match-up. Oregon is still flying high from last Thursday’s eye popping 60-13 victory over the UCLA Bruins.
As for the Trojans, they are coming off an impressive 48-14 victory over Cal Golden Bears.
USC’s previous games
USC has been playing great football, having only two losses this year, and both losses were by two points or less. One of the losses came to No. 16 ranked Stanford, while the other was
to conference rival Washington. The Trojans have scored more than 30 points in every game this year except for their win against Virginia 17-14 in their second week.
Quarterback Matt Barkley has thrown for over 1800 yards, and 20 touchdowns this year. In the win last weekend against the Golden Bears, Barkley threw for an impressive 352 yards while scoring five touchdowns.
Even in the loss to Stanford one week before, Barkley still looked excellent throwing for an astounding 390 yards.
Oregon’s previous games
The Ducks have been on a roll since their season opener against New Mexico, where the Ducks scored 72 points to New Mexico’s zero. Even after last week’s dismantling of UCLA, the Ducks
realize that there is a greater task at hand.
"It is our next game, so of course it is our biggest game of the season," said Oregon tight end David Paulson. "USC has great athletes on both sides of the ball that we have to prepare for."
But truly there isn’t much these Ducks would have to prepare for, as they are the most complete team on the field.
How they match up offensively
Oregon’s offence is ranked number one in total yards, and in touchdowns with 51. Ducks quarterback Darron Thomas has proven to be a solid pivot throwing for 17 touchdowns and over 1500
total yards this season.
Not only do the Ducks have a solid air attack but they have the ability to put the ball on the ground and run it up field. Running back LaMicheal James already has accumulated 11 touchdowns and 971 yards
on 134 carries. Not to mention the Ducks other running back, Remene Alston Jr., has made the most of his 51 touches running for 284 yards and five touchdowns. Thanks to those two guys, Oregon finds itself ranked number three in the nation in rushing with
an average of 308.4 yards per game.
USC’s offence will be relying on the accurate arm of Barkley and their platoon set-up of running backs Allen Bradford and Marc Tyler. Bradford has been exceptional this season with his 73 touches and
580 total yards, and is looking to rebound from last week’s performance of 27 yards on nine carries. Perhaps the senior’s injured toe is still bothering him, but only time will tell.
Tyler has also had a good season so far rushing for 438 yards on 75 carries. His best game of the season came last week against the Golden Bears where he had only seven touches worth 79 yards. For Tyler,
he will need to keep up his steady play against Oregon and make the most of his touches as he did last week.
Prediction:
Oregon 55-14 USC
Tags: