I still think Darron Thomas offers a lot in the long term, but I don’t yet trust him on the road at USC, Cal and ASU. I also don’t think Justin Roper is a good fit for this game. Masoli should be the guy and here’s why:
Note: Future wideout and/or running back Chris Harper is omitted from consideration. I’m also assuming for the sake of this discussion that Roper is an option this week. If he’s not, this is all pretty much pointless.

Continuity
Wouldn’t it be nice to see the same starter at quarterback play two games in a row? The offense had a chance to build something last week with Masoli. To throw Roper back in – if he’s healthy enough – would disrupt the offense’s momentum and likely throw off whatever timing has been developed. And even if Roper is healthy enough, would he last the game. He’s been knocked out in two of three games this year. The last thing Oregon needs is a switch halfway through the game to a different quarterback.

Competitive Advantage
The thing I thought was the difference against USC a year ago was the ability of the quarterback position – in this case, Dennis Dixon – to make something out of nothing. In other words, it was really hard to get the Duck offense off the field when a 3rd and 7 was as easy to convert as 2nd and inches. Masoli is no Dixon and won’t be as dynamic, but he’s more mobile than Roper and if a play breaks down, he offers an extra element to the offense. Additionally, the read-option would actually be, uh, an option. No one believes Roper is keeping the ball and, yeah, he might get one nice play out of it, but he’s not a consistent threat. Thomas doesn’t really have the entire concept down and would likely make too many poor decisions. Against a team like USC, you need all your options available and you need them working correctly.

Experience?
Uh huh. Experience. Well, everything’s relative, I suppose. We can remove Thomas from this part of the discussion. He’s got less experience than Sarah Palin. Whoops, I mean he’s got less experience than Barack Obama. You see how I worked that? Yeah, you like it when I stay apolitical, don’t you?). That leaves Roper or Masoli and while the edge goes to Roper, it’s by such a narrow margin that Masoli’s other positives give him the nod.

Because I Said So
Listen, if I’ve proven anything this season, it’s that I’m awesome at knowing what the coaches should do. My ability to declare three quarterbacks the best option in a three week span is unparalleled. Just trust my gut, coach. You’ll be glad you did.