Realities That Oregon and USC Must Each Deal With

I absolutely love reading all the comments on Bleacher Report that you civilized and intelligent USC and Oregon fans write.

After all, we have to do something to feed our football obsession during the offseason. A person can only play so much golf and go on so many hikes while we wait for September 1.

However, I've noticed a trend while reading your brilliant observations about the Trojans and the Ducks: some of you have a problem dealing with the cold, hard facts related to your teams. I know, it's that compartmentalization thing that Bill Clinton was so good at.

You are just focused on the positives about your team and, in general, I believe that's a good thing. But sometimes one must look in the mirror and be honest about what one sees.

So, I'm going to do it for you. Let's look at some truths and then analyze them, OK?

Reality No. 1

USC: De'Anthony Thomas is the fastest, best college football player in America, and you let him get away.

Oregon: Yes, Thomas is great, but you don't know yet if he can carry the load with LaMichael James' departure.

Reality No. 2

Oregon: USC beat you fair and square last year, at home, with everything on the line.

USC: You snuck up on the Ducks after their big win at Stanford, and you were one missed field goal away from season oblivion.

Reality No. 3

Oregon: Despite your recent success, you simply don't have the decades of winning tradition behind you to yet be considered among the nation's elite teams.

USC: Every year is a new day, and it doesn't matter how good you were ten years ago. I repeat, it doesn't matter how good you were ten years ago.

Reality No. 4

USC: You haven't won a BCS National Championship yet: January 4, 2005 officially never happened.

Oregon: You haven't won a BCS National Championship yet: close doesn't count.

P.S. Would one of you just win it this year already?!?

Reality No. 5

USC: It doesn't matter if your quarterback is good enough to win the Heisman or not, the November 3 game will be won with defense.

Oregon: It doesn't matter who your quarterback is, the November 3 game will be won with defense.

Reality No. 6

Oregon: You might not make it to November 3 undefeated. There is a new pirate in the Northwest.

USC: You might not make it to November 3 undefeated. There's that pesky Stanford team down on the farm.

Reality No. 7

If both teams are undefeated and no one is injured, it's going to be a hell of a game!

Hope to see you there.