The 4-0 USC Trojans, despite their unbeaten record, have some real questions coming into this showdown against Oregon, especially after that tight 16-10 win over Rutgers. This is their moment, the “prove it, Lincoln” factor is real, and they need to show they’re national title contenders after last year’s 42-27 loss to Oregon basically ended their season hopes.
The Trojans’ Moment of Truth
USC might be undefeated, but that defense has been a tad leaky. While they did pitch a gem in the win against Fresno State, the fact that Rutgers was able to move the ball against them is a problem. Can they hold off an Oregon offense that just rolled over Portland State 84-0? That 84-0 showing definitely turned some heads after Oregon’s 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State. Jayden Maiava, the USC quarterback, is among the nation’s leaders, hitting 76% of his throws for close to 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. He needed to make big plays against Rutgers and he did it. This guy can sling it. Now it’s up to backs like Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill to establish that running game early and set the tempo against a strong Oregon front.
Oregon’s Dynasty Faces Its Toughest Test
Oregon has owned this series, winning four straight against USC, including the 2020 Pac-12 Championship that potentially kept the Trojans out of the College Football Playoff. But did the Ducks find their rhythm again after the Oklahoma State loss, or was the Portland State game just a tune-up? Dante Moore and the offense need to be back up to speed. Oregon’s defense has been fantastic on third downs this year, but we’ve seen quarterbacks like Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker and Boise State’s Maddux Madsen (who averaged 8.3 yards per throw) hit big plays down the field against them. Now Maiava is coming to town. The Ducks’ running attack simply has to get going if they want to extend this streak. And just look at USC’s schedule after this: Washington, at Penn State, at Wisconsin, Ohio State, at Indiana. This game is absolutely massive for them.
This Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET on NBC, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is going to be electric. Oregon keeps getting in USC’s way, and it feels like every time the Trojans need a big win over the last decade, they come up short against the Ducks. Expect both teams to bring their A-game, trading big offensive plays. But the prediction is clear: USC 34, Oregon 30. Look for Maiava and the Trojan offense to take over the clock in the fourth quarter of what will be an absolute thriller. Can Maiava finally deliver that big win and turn the tide for good? We’re all glued to the screen to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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