TV
:
6 p.m. Saturday; WFLD-Ch. 32.
The line:
Oregon by 81/2.
Records:
Oregon 8-0, 5-0 Pac 12; USC 6-2, 4-2.
Last meeting:
USC won 38-35 on Nov. 19, 2011 in Eugene, Ore.
ON THE OFFENSIVE:
The Trojans have QB Matt Barkley (13th nationally in pass efficiency) and WR Marquis Lee (141.12 receiving yards per game). The Ducks have, uh, everybody, averaging a blistering 53 points per game and a Kenjon Barner-led rushing attack that averages 330.63 yards per outing.
GETTING DEFENSIVE:
Lost in the fireworks is an Oregon defense that shut out Arizona and hasn’t allowed more than 26 points in a game since Sept. 1. But the big question is whether Trojans DE Morgan Breslin and a crew with 27 sacks on the year can alter the Ducks’ rhythm.
THE NUMBER:
84.63. USC penalty yards per game, ranking dead last among Bowl Subdivision teams.
THE TALK:
The meat of the schedule begins for the Ducks, when impressive victories can supercharge their BCS computer ratings and begin their ascent to the No. 2 spot. Out of the title hunt, are the talented Trojans reeling? Or can they recover, play disciplined and spring an upset?
BRIAN HAMILTON’S PICK:
You never know given No. 17 USC’s abundant ability, but fourth-ranked Oregon looks to be on a different planet than any other program save Alabama. The Ducks clear a major hurdle.
Oregon 48-33
