USC Trojans vs. Oregon Ducks Preview & Prediction

Written September 29, 2008 by Jason Lowry

The title hopes for the USC Trojans took one major step backwards when they went into Oregon State and became the first No.1 ranked team to lose on Thursday night. This week things don’t get that much easier as they get ready to host the newly ranked No. 23 Oregon Ducks. The Ducks come in at 4-1 and lead the way in the Pac 10 at 2-0. The Trojans have played just 3 games and after throttling Ohio State no one saw what happened last week coming. Though sitting near the bottom of the Pac 10 at 0-1, this is still the No. 9 ranked team in the country, and thats likely why the odds makers at Sportsbook.com have the Trojans coming in as 16.5 point favorites over the Ducks.

The Ducks come in scoring a ton of points, as they are averaging over 47 points a game this season. The Ducks only loss came against non-conference Boise State in a close one 37-32. Last week the Ducks put it to Washington State 63-14. This will easily be the best team the Ducks have played this season, and the offense has to have hope after watching in-state rival Oregon State run all over the Trojans. That plays right into the hands of the Ducks who have quite the duo at running back in Legarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson who both ran effectively last week as they each had 3 touchdowns, and combined for 187 yards on the ground. They weren’t the only ones dowing damage as the Ducks as a team ran for 346 yards. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli didn’t need to do much but did throw for 161 yards and 2 scores, with 102 of those yards and both scores going receiver Jaison Williams. If anything this unit has to have confidence, and we will find out if this team is for real this weekend.

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The Ducks defensive unit has the tough task of taking on a USC team that is going to come in and do whatever it can to prove that last week was a fluke and they still are the best team in college football. The Ducks defense has had its lapses this season, as they allowed Boise State Quarterback Kellen Moore to throw for 386 yards and 3 scores in their only loss, and allowed Purdue running back Kory Sheets to run for 180 yards and 2 scores in their overtime win against the Boilermakers. There is no question that USC is one of the fastest teams in football, and its going to be a tough task for this unit to keep up with the Trojans. If you think the Ducks have what its takes to at least keep this one close, Bet Oregon +16.5 at Sportsbook.com

Now we get to the Trojans who just didn’t have a real good answer for Oregon State early as they were shutout 21-0 at half. That didn’t last as quarterback Mark Sanchez rallied the Trojans throwing for 3 second half scores, but did have a huge interception late in the 4th quarter. The most shocking stat is the Trojans were able to run for just 86 yards, and while some of that had to do with trailing for most of the game, there is no reason that this team didn’t run the ball more. We have a good feeling you will see the best the Trojans have to offer and we think it will all start with the running game getting it going early and often. This unit is better than it played last week, and must show it this week against the Ducks.

The USC defense had few answers for the Beavers early as they scored 3 touchdowns before half. The defense did what it had to in the 2nd half stopping the Beavers on 6 straight possessions, but really had no chance on the next series when they Beavers started on their drive on the 2 yard line. The key for the defense and the offense is not just picking it up when they have to, but playing 4 solid quarters and not putting themselves in a situation to lose a game like this. If they don’t then they could be staring at another loss. Expect the Trojans to play better this week, but do they have enough to cover the spread? If you think so bet USC -16.5 at Sportsbook.com

Professional handicapper Jason Lowry is coming off a big weekend with his football picks, and if you are looking for an expert opinion on this game grab his weekly package and get all the games for one low price as he continues to dominate the football betting odds.