No. 15 USC arrives at Autzen Stadium on Saturday carrying an unusual edge. The Trojans own the best record of any program when featured on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” going 18-6 all time.
USC's Lincoln Riley said this week that his team is prepared for the noise and intensity in Eugene as USC looks to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
The stakes are clear. USC (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 15 CFP) must win out, including next week against UCLA, and reverse a troubling trend of falling short in major road games. The Trojans are 2-2 away from home this season, with losses to Illinois and Notre Dame, and dropped all three road contests against ranked opponents last year. USC has not won at Oregon since 2011.
The Ducks (9-1, 6-1, No. 7 CFP) present one of USC’s toughest tests yet. Quarterback Dante Moore is coming off a 306-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 42-13 win over Minnesota, completing a school-record 90% of his passes. Oregon coach Dan Lanning said the spotlight only heightens the matchup.
“These moments are fun,” Lanning said. “When ‘College GameDay’ comes twice, it speaks volumes about our fan base and their program.”
USC will again rely on receiver Makai Lemon, who averages 109 yards per game and ranks seventh nationally in all-purpose yards. The Biletnikoff Award semifinalist will be fun to watch against the Ducks secondary.
The battle may be strength on strength. USC’s sixth-ranked offense against Oregon’s third-ranked defense, which allows just 235.4 yards per game.
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