Tale of the Tape for No. 7 Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans

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With just two weeks left in the regular season, Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are now virtually in play-in games as they finish out with tough matchups against the USC Trojans and Washington Huskies. With a 9-1 record, the Ducks likely need to win out and finish at 11-1 if they are to return to the College Football Playoff and contend for a national championship.

That all starts this weekend with a game at Autzen Stadium that will stand as one of the most significant regular-season matchups in Oregon history. Not only do the Ducks need to win to keep their postseason hopes alive, but they are looking to once again establish themselves as the predominant brand on the West Coast, both on the field and in the recruiting world.

While they are favored in this game, beating USC is going to be no easy task. The Trojans have one of the best offenses in the nation, led by QB Jayden Maiava and elite receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. On paper, the Ducks may have the advantage here, but things can play out differently on Saturdays, and this is certainly going to be a matchup game where certain decisions and schemes play a big role.

Let’s dive into the numbers and take a look at the Tale of the Tape now that we have a solid baseline of numbers to judge. We will see if we can get a sense of how this game is going to play out on Saturday afternoon, based on the statistics we have seen so far this season.

QB Dante Moore vs. QB Jayden Maiava

Slight Edge: Oregon

Analysis: This is an excellent quarterback matchup, and I think both fan bases would happily take their guy in this game and feel confident that he can lead them to victory. Based on the numbers, Moore is the slightly more efficient passer, tossing more touchdowns on fewer attempts. However, the yardage that Maiava has racked up this year can’t be ignored. Both of these guys are dynamic, and watching them go back and forth on Saturday will be high entertainment.

Oregon RBs vs. USC RBs

Edge: Oregon

Analysis: Again, these are two of the best rushing attacks in the Big Ten this season, and both fan bases likely feel really good about the guys they are bringing to the table. What’s remarkable is the number of true freshmen in this group, highlighted by Oregon’s Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill, plus USC’s King Miller. In the end, the Ducks’ ability to have three guys average over 7 yards per carry, and two players rush for more than 8 yards per carry, plus their remarkable touchdown numbers, is enough to put them over the top for me.

Oregon Pass-Catchers vs. USC Pass-Catchers

SlightEdge: USC

Analysis: This is where I think that USC has the decided edge coming into this game. With Makai Lemon, the Trojans have one of the single best WRs in the nation right now, someone who will likely be a first-round draft pick come April. Lane is also a great player, and slowing down those two will be the biggest key for Oregon in this game. On top of that, the Ducks could very likely be without two of their top pass-catchers in Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. on Saturday due to injuries. If you’re looking at the passing game here, USC has the edge.

Oregon Defense vs. USC Defense

Edge: Oregon

Analysis: The Ducks have a big advantage here defensively, in my opinion. They are strong against the run, the best in the nation against the pass, and big in the trenches, capable of getting after the passer and stopping the run. They are also healthy, whereas the Trojans could potentially be without two of their top players in Kamari Ramsey and Bishop Fitzgerald.

When Oregon Has the Ball

When USC Has the Ball

Who Has the Edge?

EDGE: Oregon Ducks

I like Oregon in this game, simply because I think they have more ways to win. If the Ducks can run the ball with success, keep the chains moving, and limit USC’s possessions, then I think this could a relatively low-scoring, physical win for Oregon. Meanwhile, I also think that Oregon’s offense can open things up and get into a shootout with the Trojans and find a way to win that way as well. On the flip side, I don’t think USC possesses the ability to push Oregon around in the trenches and establish a dominant running game. If they’re going to find success, it’s going to need to come through the air, where Oregon has the No. 1 passing defense in the nation. Give me the Ducks.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Breaking down tape for No. 7 Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans

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