Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN and WatchESPN
Duck to Watch: Freshman QB Justin HerbertJust like USC, Oregon turned to a freshman QB when it needed a spark and Herbert answered the bell. The true freshman has been lights out in three starts, throwing 12 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. Herbert is a capable runner, topping out at 56 yards as a game-high this season, but he does not pose the threat of Ducks' past like Marcus Mariota. Nevertheless, the goal is to pressure the youngster and make him move. "If you don't hit this kid, you're going to have a long day because he can distribute it," said USC head coach Clay Helton.
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3 Keys
TrackTown USA
Oregon loves its track & field, and the football team mirrors that passion. At the skill positions, the Ducks have "always been the fastest team we've played," said Helton. This year is no exception. Royce Freeman and Tony Brooks-James are blazers in the backfield, combining for 16 rush TDs this year. Charles Nelson and Darren Carrington II can hurt USC on the outside. Add in Mark Helfrich's uptempo offense and the Ducks will be most comfortable turning the game into a track meet. The Trojans need to slow everything down. Forcing negative plays and third down efficiency are the keys defensively to keeping Oregon from getting to mach speed.
Have a Day Ronald
Ronald Jones II ran for 223 yards on 18 carries against Cal despite ceding 20 carries to Aca'Cedric Ware who has a gimpy ankle this week. Jones will happily carry the load on Saturday, facing Oregon's rush defense which yields 235 rush yards per game on average. Behind Jones, expect Dominic Davis to get the biggest opportunity of his young USC career, and James Toland IV will be ready when called upon. Jones has never had a 20-carry game, so if he gets the chance to be the bell cow back, expect him to put up a big number behind a confident USC offensive line.
The Games to Remember
The Trojans started 1-3 this season, sending fan morale into the negative abyss. USC dug out of the hole with a 4-0 October, and November is set up with a new rival, a top 5 opponent, and two old rivals. While crowds were sparse last month, Homecoming is expected to be the best attended game so far this year, giving the Trojans an opportunity to show everyone what they've been missing. The Pac-12 South is still in play and a big finish could save the season, but it has to start on Saturday against Oregon.
