Oregon Ducks: 3 Predictions for USC Game

The No. 20 Oregon Ducks will need to play their best football of the young season if they want to escape Los Angeles with a win over No. 12 USC. 

In two weeks of real completion, the Ducks sleptwalked into the college football season, nearly blowing a home game against Boise State in Week 1 before falling to Oklahoma State 39-31 in Week 2. 

Oregon responded to the slow start by demolishing Portland State 84-0 in Week 3, but that's a game that doesn't mean anything except losing Jeremiah McClellan, who suffered a foot injury during pregame warmups. 

A loss to USC could seriously derail the season for the Ducks, who still have to travel to Ohio State in early November.

Here are three predictions for a must-win game for Oregon on Saturday against USC.

Dante Moore throws his first interception

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore hasn't played great to start the season, but he's thrown for 849 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions through the first three games. While he hasn't been able to lead the Ducks efficiently down the field, he hasn't turned the ball over. 

Against USC, Moore will have to be the catalyst for the offense. Expect him to take more chances. While Moore should score multiple touchdowns to his season total on Saturday night, expect USC's defense to intercept at least one pass. How Moore responds to a turnover will be key in keeping the Ducks in the game.

Oregon rushes for 150 yards

The Ducks offensive line has had its struggles to start the season. The run game has not been as effective as it was in 2025 when Oregon was rushing for over five yards a carry.

USC allowed Rutgers to rush for 168 yards and two scores. Antwan Raymond had a huge game, rushing for 122 yards and a score on 21 carries. That should be good news for Oregon, who was limited to 119 yards on the ground against Boise State and 90 yards against Oklahoma State. 

Running backs Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordan Davidson should get going against the Trojans.

Oregon causes two Jayden Maiava turnovers

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two picks in the Trojans' 42-27 loss to Oregon last year. Maiava has thrown one pick entering Saturday's contest, but that should change against a tougher opponent in Week 4. 

Look for Oregon to bring some pressure and look to create a strip sack. Whoever plays the cleaner game between Moore and Maiava should emerge victorious.