TL;DR
- USC holds an 18-6 record on ESPN's "College GameDay" and aims to maintain playoff chances.
- USC (8-2) faces a critical situation needing wins, including against UCLA, and overcoming road performance issues.
- Oregon (9-1) presents a challenge with QB Dante Moore's strong performance and a top-ranked defense.
- USC's offense, ranked sixth, clashes with Oregon's defense, ranked third, allowing only 235.4 yards per game.
USC, ranked 15th, enters Autzen Stadium on Saturday with a distinct advantage. The Trojans boast the most impressive record of any team when appearing on ESPN's “College GameDay,”, holding an 18-6 all-time standing.
Lincoln Riley of USC stated this week that his team is ready for the loud atmosphere and high energy in Eugene as USC aims to maintain its chances for The College Football Playoff.
The situation is critical. USC (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten, No. 15 CFP) needs to win all remaining games, including the upcoming one against UCLA, and overcome a concerning pattern of underperforming in significant away games. The Trojans have a 2-2 record on the road this season, having lost to Illinois and Notre Dame, and they lost all three away games against ranked teams last year. USC's last victory at Oregon was in 2011.
Oregon (9-1, 6-1, No. 7 CFP) poses a significant challenge for USC. Quarterback Dante Moore recently threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-13 victory against Minnesota, achieving a school-best 90% completion rate. Oregon's coach, Dan Lanning, believes the increased attention will make the game even more compelling.
“These moments are fun,” Lanning said. “When ‘College GameDay’ comes twice, it speaks volumes about our fan base and their program.”
Makai Lemon, a receiver for USC, will once again be a key player, averaging 109 receiving yards per game and holding the seventh spot nationally for all-purpose yards. This semifinalist for The Biletnikoff Award is expected to be an exciting player to observe when facing the Ducks' secondary.
It could be a clash of strengths. USC's offense, ranked sixth, faces Oregon's defense, ranked third, which permits only 235.4 yards each game.
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