Pac-12 football should be interesting this season, especially knowing that there is the dynamic of the USC Trojans not being eligible for the conference crown. The Oregon Ducks might not need to beat USC to win the conference this year, but they might need this one to contend for the National Championship Game.

USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Picks & Info
USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2011
USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Spread: Oregon Ducks -10

If the Trojans really open up as 10 point underdogs in this one, you know that Head Coach Lane Kiffin is going to use that as some big time bulletin board material. It’s big enough that this is the Game of the Year for the Men of Troy, knowing that this is the duel against the team that nearly won the whole enchilada last year. QB Matt Barkley knows that he is going to have the onus of this offense on his shoulders. He led the team to a 32-29 lead in the third quarter against the Ducks, but the defense just had no chance, giving up a whopping 600 yards. Ultimately, two picks cost Barkley and really countered his 264 passing yards.

USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Past Games (Since 1996)
2010: Oregon 53 – USC 32
2009: Oregon 47 – USC 20
2008: USC 44 – Oregon 10
2007: Oregon 24 – USC 17
2006: USC 35 – Oregon 10
2005: USC 45 – Oregon 13
2002: USC 44 – Oregon 33
2001: Oregon 24 – USC 22
2000: Oregon 28 – USC 17
1999: Oregon 33 – USC 30
1998: Oregon 17 – USC 13
1997: USC 24 – Oregon 22

Oregon’s offense has scored a whopping 100 points in the last two meetings against the Trojans thanks to Head Coach Chip Kelly’s offense. Last year, QB Darron Thomas threw for 288 yards and rushed for 42 more, and RB LaMichael James rumbled for 239 yards and three TDs. Like we said, we already know that the Ducks put up those 600 yards against USC, something that was really unheard of before. The only question is that defense, but that was the same unit that was questioned all season long before rallying to the National Championship Game. Ironically, it was the offense that came up short against the Auburn Tigers. The Ducks also haven’t lost a home game since losing to the Boise State Broncos in September 2008, and they haven’t been beaten at home in Pac-10 play since losing the Civil War against the Oregon State Beavers in 2007.

USC Trojans @ Oregon Ducks Game Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 8/1/11):
(Get a HUGE 50% Bonus at 5Dimes.com When Using This Link)

USC Trojans (+10) @ Oregon Ducks