Let's break it down

I don’t do this often, so consider this a treat. Today, wait for it…waaaaaait for it…I am actually going to attempt making serious insights into a football game. Yeah, I’m nervous, too. Let’s see how this goes.

Gotta’ Run That Football
The running game is clearly Oregon’s strength.

Wait, wait wait. Nick, if that’s what you call insight, I can’t wait to hear what’s coming next. I suppose you’ll tell us all that foreclosures are bad for the economy. Please, continue.

As I was saying, the running game is clearly Oregon’s strength. 300+ yards a game is a ridiculous number. LaGarrette Blount is the best back in the nation that no one is talking about. Combined with Jeremiah Johnson – he of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame, there is not a better 1-2 punch. Anyone that watched USC against Oregon State knows the Trojans have some questions to answer on the defensive line. Perhaps it takes a 5’6″ squirmer to make the Trojans look that bad, but you have to attack what appears to be a vulnerability.

Don’t let a USC running back get into rhythm.
Pete Carrol’s biggest flaw is his inability to pick a running back and stick with him. He’ll rotate players at the position all game if he doesn’t see one guy getting it done and the running game will be ineffective. Running backs need reps to get going. If Oregon can continue it’s strong run defense early, they could disrupt USC for the entire game.

Hit Mark Sanchez
No, don’t be like Boise State and take a cheap shot. Do it legitimately. Get burned on a blitz or two, but make sure you knock Manchez (FOTB’s name, not mine) down. He’s not as perfect as he was made out to be early in the season. He makes mistakes, but like any good quarterback, if he has time to make decisions, he will beat you.

Let Masoli Be Apart of the Running Game
The Trojans have an outstanding defense. They will limit Oregon’s offense and that’s a fact. The more dimensions you incorporate, though, the more difficult they will be to defend. USC has typically struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks. Even two years ago, when Oregon scored only 10 points, it was Dennis Dixon’s mistakes that stopped the Ducks. I believe – and remember, this is a lazy, non-fact checking blog – Oregon had four empty red zone trips in 2006. The Ducks can’t afford to protect Masoli and keep him limited. When you go against USC, you don’t hold back.

All the Usual Talking Points
Force turnovers, don’t commit any. Score early and take the crowd out of the game. Don’t be scared of big, bad USC. Don’t give up big plays. Blah, blah, blah. That analysis is so below my level of thinking.

There you have it. Do all these things, Oregon, and you’re sure to win. It’s that easy. Hell, I’d do it myself, but well, I’m too busy blogging. Enjoy football everyone.

PreNicktion
USC 31, Oregon 17 (After all that, you’re giving it to the Trojans by two touchdowns? That I am dear reader. That I am.)