USC vs Oregon Prediction: The College Football Playoff Wild Card
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Outside of a few things happening in the SEC, this might be the most important game left this season.
The SEC only seems like every team is getting into the College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, it’s possible things can go sideways fast, and the Big Ten might get only two teams in if the winner of this doesn’t rock next week.
USC vs Oregon Preview
Just when it seemed like Oregon was a bit shaky, it pummeled Minnesota 42-13 just to show that the talent really is there.
It has a nice spot at No. 7 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, and even if it loses, it could still make it in at 10-2 if it beats Washington next week.
USC is lurking. The committee finally moved the Trojans up a bit to 15, but it can only live on wins over Michigan and Iowa for so long.
This is it. Win this, beat UCLA next week, and all of a sudden, it should be in the playoff.
How To Watch USC vs Oregon
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
@PeteFiutak
– CFP Top 25 Breakdown of Every Spot
Why USC Will Win
Oregon doesn’t generate nearly enough pressure in the backfield.
The defense is third in the nation – it’s obviously doing something right – but it only faced one offense so far that is better than totally mediocre, and that was the loss to Indiana.
Give the USC backfield the chance to get comfortable, and the big plays will follow.
The Trojan running game has been a bit hit-or-miss, but it sets things up for the passing attack that’s great at keeping the chains moving and among the best in the nation at generating the downfield shots.
It works because the offensive line is giving Jayden Maiava all the time he needs to operate. The Trojans not only lead the Big Ten in total offense, they lead in yards per play. However …
Why Oregon Will Win
The USC offense doesn’t travel.
Maybe it’s the time zone change – not an issue here – but the Trojans are night-and-day better in Los Angeles.
The five best days of the season in total offense were in the Coliseum, with the midrange passing game far sharper in the comfortable surroundings.
Oregon has the attack to keep up.
It was bottled up a bit by Iowa in the stall ball fight a few weeks ago, and Indiana’s defense pitched a gem in the Ducks’ home loss, but the offense found its groove last week.
Quarterback Dante Moore – at the moment, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – is coming off a brilliant 30-of-33 passing day against Minnesota.
The running game showed off its power and explosion, and it was as if the attack was cranking it all up for what’s coming next.
USC vs Oregon Prediction, Betting Lines
Oregon’s best win this year was against … Iowa.
USC took down Michigan in a strong all-around performance, and it did win at Nebraska and Purdue, even though it was a struggle on the road.
Autzen Stadium will be crazy, Oregon’s defense will come out roaring from the start, and …
This will be the win from Lincoln Riley that USC fans have been waiting for.
The balance of the USC attack will be effective enough to get control of the game early, and the pass rush will bother Moore from the start.
It’ll be a brilliant back-and-forth battle that will come down to the final defensive stop.
USC 31, Oregon 28
Line: Oregon -9.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Must See Rating: 5
Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related: Michigan vs Maryland Prediction: The Wolverines Have To Win This, Too
This story was originally reported by College Football News on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add College Football News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos