USC was clearly looking ahead to this game after they lost to Arizona in a heart breaker. I don't think they'll have a hangover. The fact that they only lost that game by 3 points after turning the ball over 5 times on the road is remarkable. We are getting a ton of value here on USC because of how Oregon has dominated and how USC has under achieved. The public's perception is that Oregon should dominate, but USC matches up very well with the speed that Oregon possesses on offense.
First of all let's not make any mistakes, Oregon's schedule has been light and they have not been forced into a full game battle like they will on Saturday night. That is a huge advantage for USC because they have played in those type of games and have an experienced QB, while Oregon has a freshmen in Marcus Mariota who has not been tested all year. There are a ton of questions for Oregon if they get in a close game and USC definitely has the recipe.
What is that recipe? Fast linebackers and getting in the linebacker. Well USC has some of the fastest most athletic linebackers in the country Dion Bailey, Hayes Pullard, and Lamar Dawson are capable and along with a fast defensive line are among the nation's best with 59 TFL. So stop the run first and that's something USC can do allowing just 2.1 ypc at home and are ranked 22nd overall. Oregon has faced nobody that can stop the run. I mean it, not a single team in the top 60 with an average ranking of 90. Oregon also has not faced a team this talented on offense.
USC has balance with a very good run blocking offensive line paired with two of the best TE blockers who are also a threat in the red zone catching 6 TD combined in Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer who help pave the way for Penn State transfer Silas Redd who is averaging 5.5 ypc, but the real talent comes from the receiving corps. Robert Woods and Marqise Lee are the best duo in the nation and Oregon won't have an answer.
At the end of the day I know Oregon has put up ridiculous number on offense and have played better than anyone realizes on defense, but they have yet to be in a tight game and have a freshmen QB that's going on the road. They also have a history of losing this type of game after starting the year red hot. USC still has a lot to play for and their red zone defense will play a huge factor. At home they have allowed just 1 TD in 12 opponent attempts and are allowing just 39% to conference foes.
