Oregon Charges Into the Coliseum

Its Bounce Back week for the Trojans against a hot Oregon team. And these Ducks don't fly or swim . . . they run. And run they have for big rushing yards and a 4 - 1record. Although they've lost their first, second, and third string QBs to injury, the Ducks have been able to rely on a strong running game and a risk-taking defense to stay afloat.

Will the Trojans, who had a tough time with Oregon State's running game, be able to stop the Quack's running attack?

Oregon

Offense - Duck QB J. Masoli has thrown less than (50) this year for 4 TDs and no INTs. He basically has one mandate - hand the ball off to excellent RBs in JC transfer LaGarrett Blount and Jeremiah Johnson who are averaging nearly 190 rushing yards per game. WR Jaison Williams leads the WR unit, but doesn't get a lot of action until the Ducks get into the red zone. And the other WR starter is former SC player Jamere Holland. Oregon's OLine not only does a great job run blocking, but they also protect the QB only giving up (4) sacks in five games this year.

Defense - The Duck defense can be summed up in one phrase: All or Nothing. They take risks that sometimes pay off and sometimes do not. They lead the Pac 10 in sacks with (17), but the defense is also ranked dead last in the red zone (teams are 16 out of 16 scoring TDs or FGs against them). Their front (7) is good against the run (second only to SC giving up 100 yards per game), but the back (4) are only middle of the road against the pass giving up 10 TDs and 200+ yards per game thru the air.

USC

Offense - All eyes will be on the OLine. They will be facing an Oregon front seven that gambles and blitzes (17 sacks so far), so communication amongst the OLine will have to be great. QB Mark Sanchez's leadership and confidence will be key . . .he's got to get SC in a rhythm. And he must avoid throwing that 1 INT per game that he's thrown in the last three. RB Joe McKnight just has to put his last forgettable performance out of his mind, and FB Stan Havili needs to get the ball in the passing game again. The other RBs must put their head down and go forward even if a hole is not there. Positive yards to keep drives going is a MUST. To the WR/TE group: Keep doing what you are doing.

Defense - This is a huuuge game for SC's DLine who must get off to a good start. They got ambushed in Corvallis . . . That can't happen in the Coliseum. The Oregon OLine is formidable and will be tough. DT Fili Moala was touted as a pre-season all american . . . this is the game he can prove it in. The LB unit has been shaken up due to MLB Maualuga's injury, so Cushing moves to the middle and Mike Morgan finally gets his starting shot at OLB. Safeties Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays will have to help support the run game, and CBs Cary Harris and Kevin Thomas will need to be alert for the occasional deep pass.

Prediction:

USC - 31

Oregon - 17