Oregon Unsure if a Few Pass Catchers Will Play Against USC

The No. 20 Oregon Ducks could be shorthanded when they travel to play No. 12 USC on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

The Ducks desperately need to defeat the Trojans on Saturday after suffering an early non-conference loss to Oklahoma State on the road in Week 2. Oregon started the season with a struggle against Boise State in Week 1, only winning the home game by seven points.

Oregon suffered a huge injury in Week 3, when wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan sustained a broken leg in warmups before the Ducks beat Portland State 84-0. McClellan will obviously be out for Saturday night.

Per the Big Ten availability report, Oregon wide receiver Jalen Lott is doubtful to play USC. Tight ends Jamari Johnson and Kendre Harrison are questionable to play. Simeon Price, Brayden Platt, and Trent Ferguson were ruled out.

Per Pete Nakos of On3, there is "optimism" that Johnson and Harrison will play. Still, the Ducks are unsure if three key targets for Dante Moore will be available for Saturday night.

Johnson has recorded four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown this season. Harrison has four catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.

The Ducks will need to rely on Evan Stewart, the team's leading receiver with 222 yards and two touchdowns on 15 receptions, and Dakorien Moore, who has 11 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns against USC. 

The Ducks and Trojans are expected to have a big battle between Moore and USC quarterback Jayden Maiava on Saturday night. Moore has had a slow start to the season, but has yet to throw an interception. The injuries to his tight ends could be a big blow, even if they're healthy enough to be active on Saturday night. 

Maiava had two crucial interceptions for USC in last year's 42-27 loss to the Ducks. He has thrown just one interception so far this season.

Dan Lanning's defense must step up.

The most surprising part of the Ducks' struggles this season isn't the offensive line, which was a question mark for the team early in spring practice. The defense has been underwhelming against any team not named Portland State. 

For Oregon to beat USC on Saturday night, the front seven needs to be as it was advertised in the preseason. If the defensive line can pressure Maiava into making mistakes, Moore could have a few more opportunities to score points on the board.