USC vs. Oregon football score, highlights
Digest more
The No. 7 Oregon Ducks stepped up for one of their biggest challenges of the season on Saturday, as coach Dan Lanning and squad defeated the No. 15 USC Trojans
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning appeared to take a jab at SEC teams scheduling nonconference opponents in November after a win over USC Saturday. The Ducks beat the Trojans 42–27 behind 257 passing yards from Dante Moore and a dominant defensive showing against the run.
That proved prophetic. Maiava passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns, but the Ducks (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) held USC to 52 yards on the ground. That enabled Oregon to force Maiava into throwing two interceptions and get enough stops to win.
Kenyon Sadiq had six catches for 72 yards and two scores, and Noah Whittington ran for 104 yards and another touchdown for the Ducks (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, No. 7 CFP), who improved their chances of not only making the playoff but also hosting a game.
In his postgame press conference, Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked what he hopes the College Football Playoff committee takes away from the Ducks' play this season, and he couldn't help but take a swipe at the SEC, where many of the top contenders were playing Sun Belt, Conference USA or FCS opponents.
Despite missing their top three receivers and suffering multiple offensive line injuries during the game, the Ducks controlled the line of scrimmage in a convincing 42-27 victory.