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In its last season before major realignment, Pac-12 football’s provided thrills throughout this fall. Five Pac-12 teams are ranked in the top 25 this week with two other teams (UCLA, USC) just outside the ranking.
One of the top programs this season, the No. 6-ranked Oregon Ducks (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12), hosts USC (7-3, 5-2) and defending Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams this week in Eugene.
The Ducks’ last-minute loss to Washington remains the only blemish on their 2023 resume. Oregon’s won in resounding fashion ever since that Week 7 loss in Seattle, dispatching Washington State 38-24, No. 14 Utah 35-6, and Cal 63-19.
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Heisman Trophy contender Bo Nix overcame just his second interception of the season to score six total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) last week in the win over Cal.
“I thought we did great — 63 points is hard to do in a conference game,” Nix said after the win. “They stopped us a few times but I thought we responded really well to what is obviously the worst way to start a game. It happens sometimes. You just respond and go on to the next play.”
Oregon boasts the best scoring offense in the FBS and the no. 2 offense by yards this season. This week, the Ducks face a reeling USC Trojans squad with a high-powered offense of its own.
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The Trojans jumped out to a 6-0 record over the first month and a half of the season. But Notre Dame dominated the Trojans en route to 48-20 win that changed the trajectory of USC’s season.
USC’s lost two of the three games, including a last-second loss to Utah and a 52-42 drubbing at home last week against Washington. The Trojans fired defensive coordinator Alex Grinch after that loss.
“We didn’t play very well tonight,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said after the Washington loss. “Some of our worst ball was on some of the biggest plays of the game… I think our guys are frustrated that we’ve been so, so close and we haven’t played good enough to be able to separate.”
The Trojans’ lone victory in the last month came in a tight 50-49 comeback win over Cal. If not for that, things may be looking more dour in Los Angeles.
USC faces a tough task on the road in Week 11. The Ducks are one of the most complete teams in the country with a top 12-scoring offense and defense. They’re looking to secure a potential rematch with Washington in the Pac-12 title game. The Trojans are looking to stop the free fall.
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Caleb Tillman writes, “Games against teams like USC will be a common opponent, and if Oregon has a win by 20-plus (vs. USC) … compared to Washington’s 10-point win (against USC), that could add to Oregon’s resume. Oregon knows this, so they will be looking to blow USC out and prove they are one of the best teams in the country.”
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) have the Ducks as the third-best team in the country at a 25.3 rating. The Trojans are third in the Pac-12 but, at 14.2, are nearly as far from Oregon in FPI as they are from Cal in eighth. The site’s analytics really like the Ducks to make it four in a row this Saturday.
Max Torres says, “While giving the respect to Caleb Williams and the USC offense that they’ve earned, one-dimensional teams aren’t enough to get the job done. Also, USC hasn’t faced a defense like Oregon’s, which should have a clear claim to the No. 1 spot in the Pac-12.”
Staff writes, “The Ducks were favored on the moneyline 10 total times last season. They went 9-1 in those games.”
JD Yonke writes, “USC’s offense hits the ‘competent’ qualifier as it scored more than 40 points in eight of 10 games. On the flip side, Oregon holds an advantage everywhere when it has the ball and will be playing at Autzen Stadium where it’s averaged 55.8 PPG this season. This total is high — but it’s not high enough.”
First look:Ducks unveil black and yellow jersey combo for night game vs. USC
When: Saturday, Nov. 4, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Cable TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports app; FuboTV
How to watch:Catch the latest football action on Fubo
The Ducks are heavyfavorites to make it three wins in a row against USC and four in a row on Saturday, according to theBetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out thebest mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2023.
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