The first football game between USC and Oregon was in 1915. After the Ducks won that game 34-0, they didn’t score another point until 1937. The Trojans dominated the series for many years, but since 1992 the Ducks have caught up with each team claiming eight victories in the past 20 years.
USC vs. Oregon has become a very big game on the West Coast, with one or the other school claiming at least a share of every conference title since 2000, but it is not a rivalry game. That distinction is for USC vs. UCLA and Oregon vs. Oregon State. One could argue that USC vs. Notre Dame and Oregon vs. Washington may be rivalries as well.
The game is big once more in 2012. While both teams are leading candidates to secure yet another conference championship, the Ducks are also in the mix to become the national champions.
Here are the top 10 things to know about Oregon vs. USC:
Who: University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, Los Angeles. University of Oregon Ducks, Eugene. Top two football powers of the Pac-12 Conference.
What: 59th football game between USC and Oregon. The Trojans lead the series all-time with 38 wins, 18 losses, and two ties.
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 4 p.m. (PDT).
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California.
Television: Nationally broadcast by FOX; check your local listings.
Why Important to USC: USC began the season ranked #1, in pursuit of its 12th national championship. The Trojans are now out of the national title race with six wins and two losses. A win, however, keeps USC alive for a possible trip to the Rose Bowl in January.
Why Important to Oregon: With a perfect 8-0 record, one of only six unbeaten teams in the country, Oregon is closing in on its first national championship. To play in the BCS championship game, the Ducks need five more wins, beginning with USC.
USC’s Longest Streak: The Trojans dominated the Ducks early, winning eight consecutive games from 1920 to 1938. The total score for those eight games? USC 257, Oregon 28. Wow!
Oregon’s Biggest Win: The Ducks needed a win on October 30, 2010, to remain unbeaten. Their impressive 53-32 victory did that and led them to the 2011 BCS championship game. Oregon is looking for a repeat performance now, almost exactly two years later.
Players to Watch in 2012: USC’s fortunes rise and fall with the performance of their big three; quarterback Matt Barkley, and wide receivers Marqise Lee and Robert Woods.
Senior running back Kenjon Barner is the leader for Oregon, with quarterback Marcus Mariota and the versatile De’Anthony Thomas getting plenty of attention as well. Truth be told, all the Ducks are worth watching, but you can’t blink or you’ll miss them.
The key matchup that will determine the winner is between the Trojans’ offensive line and the Ducks’ pass rushers. If USC can protect Matt Barkley, it has a chance to win. If not, it will be a very long day for the Men of Troy.
An Oregon fan for nearly 50 years, through the good and bad times, Harold Andrews is excited about the Ducks chances in 2012.
Sources:
espn.com
goducks.com
usctrojans.com
