College Football Game of the Week: No. 6 Oregon vs. USC

The Pac-12 has constantly been one of the best conferences in college football this year with big matchups every week and Week 11 is no different.

Week 11 features a showdown between two of the top quarterbacks in college football and two future Big Ten squads when USC travels to Autzen to take on Oregon.

Oregon sits on the outside looking in for the college football playoffs, but the Ducks still control their own destiny with a potential matchup with Washington down the line in the PAC 12 championship game.

Meanwhile USC is spiraling and in a free fall. The Trojans have lost three out of their last four ahead of their big showdown with No. 6 Oregon.

Saturday’s matchup is do-or-die for both squads. Oregon is trying to stay alive in the college football playoff race while USC is trying to salvage its season.

Oregon Ducks

The Ducks are 8-1 and sit right behind No. 5 Washington in the college football playoffs rankings. The Huskies were Oregon’s lone loss early in the season. However, if both teams win out there will be a rematch in the Pac-12 championship game.

Sixth-year quarterback, Bo Nix, is playing the best football in his career right now. The former Auburn quarterback is right in the thick of the Heisman conversation with 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

While the Ducks have one of the best offenses in the country led by Nix and his connection with receiver Troy Franklin, what separates this team from other PAC 12 teams is their defense.

Dan Lanning has brought a physicality to the West Coast. The Ducks beat teams like Colorado and Utah by winning the battle on the offensive and defensive lines. South Carolina transfer, Jordan Burch, has been a difference-maker.

USC Trojans

While Bo Nix might be the current Heisman front-runner right now, the Trojans’ have the reigning Heisman winner in Caleb Williams.

The Trojan’s free fall has not been the result of Williams’ play. The former Heisman quarterback has done his part but has constantly been let down by his defense. However, Williams thrust himself into public conversation after being seen crying on the sidelines after the 52-42 loss to Washington.

Head Coach, Lincoln Riley, decided to make a big coaching change during the week by firing defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Trojan’s defense has been a constant struggle all season long.

USC is out of the Pac-12 race but has a chance to play spoiler on Saturday.

Aidan Torok is a fourth-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email ajt6051@psu.edu.