USC can't let Oregon's best position group overwhelm the Trojans

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USC has many reasons to feel confident against Oregon. The Trojans know the Ducks' lines have not played well. USC knows Oregon's two new coordinators have struggled under Dan Lanning's watch. The Trojans have Jayden Maiava and a lot of quality skill players going against an underperforming Oregon defense. However, there's one matchup where the Ducks could prosper against the Trojans, and it's up to USC to limit the damage.

Ducks Wire loved what Oregon's receivers did in UO's win over Boise State earlier in September:

"If you spent the offseason hyping this group of pass catchers and calling them the best trio in the nation as I did, you're probably feeling pretty good on Saturday night. They looked like it. It wasn't just one guy who led the way, either. Jeremiah McClellan, Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore had huge moments that swung the game in Oregon's direction. McClellan led the way with six catches for 150 yards and a touchdown; Stewart had eight catches for 72 yards with a long of 39; Moore had six catches for 93 yards and the game-winning touchdown — a play that Dante Moore says is the best one he's seen No. 1 make."

Oregon's receivers are dynamic athletes. They're dangerous and battle-tested. Obviously, USC's defensive line needs to pressure Dante Moore, but if Oregon's receivers beat USC defenders cleanly and are able to get open relatively quickly, the Trojans' pass rush will be neutralized. Oregon will be able to score repeatedly and offset whatever the USC offense is able to achieve. USC doesn't have to win this matchup; it just can't get completely destroyed. As long as UO's receivers are somewhat contained, USC's matchup advantages elsewhere on the field should still be enough to win.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC can't let Oregon's best position group overwhelm the Trojans

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