When USC invades Autzen Stadium Saturday, the national perception is that the Trojans will bring the “D” while the Ducks look to make their mark on offense. Few outside the Oregon fanbase realize that the beating heart of this team is a stingy and downright hostile defense.
In that case, perception needs a heavy dose of reality. Through seven games with three common opponents, there is virtually no difference between the reputable Trojan defense and Oregon’s historically maligned unit. The only thing that really stands out is the takeaways with Oregon leading the conference and USC in dead last. That’s a huge stat that could easily swing the outcome of the game.
One could even argue that these are two units heading in opposite directions. Oregon’s worst efforts came early while USC has looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in its past two games.
Here’s a look at how the two teams stack up so far.
| Defensive Stat | Oregon | USC |
| Scoring | 16.7 | 15.1 |
| Adjusted Scoring* | 14.7 | 15.1 |
| Run | 118.9 | 79.9 |
| Pass | 178.3 | 211.9 |
| Total | 297.1 | 291.7 |
| Takeaways | 19 | 9 |
| Sacks | 22 | 29 |
| Red Zone (Pac-10 Rank) | 1 | 4 |
* Whoops, forgot to explain adjusted scoring. It’s the points per game the defense is responsible for (i.e. excludes opposing team’s defensive and special teams touchdowns). What’s really remarkable is that the adjusted scoring still includes Washington State’s 1 yard drive and Cal’s -8 yard drive.
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Good stats, much appreciated.
This is the basis of why I believe the Ducks are going to take it to the trojans this year. Stingy is not the word, downright nasty is what our Duck Defense is. It is the fastest D in college football top to bottom. Really analyze the nations D’s and you will get the same answer. Yes, LSU always has a great D and they have a couple explosive D players, but they as a whole unit are not a fast as the Ducks. Florida D is comparable, Alambama’s has done a good job, but the Ducks are better, USC…comparable, not as quick though, but by God they have their typical horses who can move. No need discussing any of the Big 12′s or 10′s D’s because none of them have really faced a truly good offensive unit, Including TEXAS. TCU’s D looks pretty quick, but who have they palyed? Virginia Tech’s D has looked awesome most of the time, but they have showed serious weakness especially to not good teams, and same with Miami, super quick, hittin hard, but has not held up.
DUCKS rock usc this year. I believe the Ducks will have a couple maybe three picks, some more great special teams leading the way to victory.
DUCKS 38-42 trojans 17-23
The Ducks have the potential to shut them out, just saying so no one thinks it is such a huge surprise.
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I love your enthusiasm, but I’m just going to throw a stat out regarding USC and losing. Under Pete Carroll since 2002, I think the Trojans largest margin of defeat has been 7 points in the Oregon game two years ago. I know they’ve never lost by double digits.
I suppose there is a universe where we could blow them out, but your prediction is bold. The shutout thing, no chance. The only team Oregon has shut out all decade is Stanford in 2003.
But I love where your head’s at and that’s why Autzen is going to be a SCARY place to be for the Trojans.
EDIT: I have to concede you were right on Washington. I didn’t see a blowout coming, but that was a believable outcome. With USC, I’ll need to see it to believe it.
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Nick, thanks for the EDIT. Obviously, I am a huge Duck fan, but I do analyze sports taking out my love an biases. Sometimes though, I throw a bone out to my team. But, I let people know when I am doing that…hence the enthusiasm. Not to be arrogant, but I am usually right on. I love college football, I understand the game on all facets inside and out, and I also have some good inside stuff, some of it I can’t discuss, its just kinda of a take my word for it. Some would say “no way dude, bs!” but that is not the case. I like facts, and I am proud to have been a part of the Autzen tradition since I was a young lad. Go Ducks!
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