Going into the USC vs Oregon game, Oregon is leading the Pac 10 standings. USC is trying to win their eighth Pac 10 championship is currently tied with Arizona for second place.
Oregon (6-1, 4-0) has been on a tear since the season opening loss to Boise State. At the end of that game, it appeared that this might be a long season for the Ducks.
Not only did Oregon lose the game; their star player LeGarrette Blount punched a Boise State player after the game. Blount was initially suspended for the remainder of the season.
Since then there is a chance that Blount may be reinstated and eligible to play possibly in next week's game. So this may be the last week that Oregon is without a key player.
Oregon has done just fine without Blount carrying the ball for them. LaMichael James, a redshirt freshman, has taken over the running game for the Ducks. He is averaging 105 yards per game and has broken at least one run for 26 yards in every game since the Boise State loss.
The Oregon defense will be looking to improve their numbers against the USC offense. The Ducks are ranked third in the Pac 10. They lead the Pac 10 in take aways with 19.
They will definitely try to put the pressure on the Trojans'quarterback, Matt Barkley. A true freshman, Barkley has thrown five interceptions this season.
Barkley will also be playing with a long list of key USC receivers hurt. Tight end Anthony McCoy and receivers David Asberry and Travon Patterson all did not make the trip with USC due to injuries.
USC's wide receiver Damian Williams and fullback Stanley Havili are both still hampered by injuries. Both are expected to play against Oregon.
The other key for USC to have a chance to win the USC vs Oregon ballgame, is for their defense to show up. The Trojan defense has not played to their standard in their last two games. USC just did hold off Oregon State last week to win 42-36.
USC leads the series against Oregon 37-16-2. If they manage to beat Oregon, then they could at least end up with sharing the Pac 10 championship and have a chance for another appearance in the Rose Bowl.
If the Ducks wins the USC vs Oregon matchup, then they could be heading to breaking USC's hold on the Pac 10 title. They could very well be on their way to claim the championship for themselves.
Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ
Posted October 31st, 2009 by Denise Clay
