College Football: Keys To an Oregon Duck Victory Against USC

At 7-0, the Oregon Ducks are facing a huge test this week when the head to the Coliseum to take on USC. The Ducks have been rolling over every team that has been on their schedule, but heading on the road to play USC will be a much different challenge than UCLA presented.

While this game has a lot of meaning for Oregon, USC may be viewing this as their bowl game and will have no trouble getting excited for this game, especially with playing at home.

If the Oregon Ducks hope to end Saturday with a zero still in the loss column, these are the keys they most focus on.

Special Teams Being Special

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 2: Cornerback Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks runs back a kick off in the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 52-31. (Photo by Steve

A lot of things have been going right for Oregon and must continue through Saturday. To this point, Rob Beard has yet to miss a field goal or extra point, which has made this Oregon offense even more dynamic.

Along with the kicking game, Oregon must take care of the ball on special teams. Oregon has given away the ball too many times when receiving a kick and this is a mistake that cannot happen against USC.

Force Matt Barkley To Make Mistakes

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Richard Brehaut #12 of the UCLA Bruins is sacked by Kenny Rowe #58 of the Oregon Ducks causing a fumble on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Coming into the game on Saturday, Matt Barkley has thrown over 100 passes without an interception and has the Trojan offense flying. Barkley will look to test the corners of Oregon throughout the game.

While Oregon's defense has played well, their bend-but-don't-break style may cost them against Barkley. If they can get to Barkley early, like they did last year, they may be able to force him into making some key turnovers.

Protect Darron Thomas

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks runs against the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

On Thursday night, Oregon's Darron Thomas dropped back to pass and had time to get to his third and fourth read because of the protection from his offensive line. When given the time, Thomas was able to pick apart the defense and did not have an incomplete pass until the midway point of the second quarter.

If the Oregon offensive line can give Thomas this kind of protection on Saturday, it should give him time to move the ball up and down the field on a consistent basis.

LaMichael James Early and Often

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back LaMichael James #21of the Oregon Ducks heads to the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won

Last year, the Oregon Ducks were able to wear down the USC defense by running the ball early and often. Look for Chip Kelly to go back to this strategy and once again try to dominate the ground game.

While it appears that Kenjon Barner will be out for this game, it would be a huge bonus for Oregon to see him in the lineup. Should he not be able to go, James will have to carry the load, which he has proved he can do.

Score Early

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates scoring a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

With the current suspension from bowl games hanging over the USC program, there has not been a lot of talk about them this year. In many ways, this will be like a bowl game to USC, having the chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the nation at home.

While the crowd will certainly be into the game early, if Oregon can come out and engineer a quick strike drive, you may be able to silence the crowd and put the pressure directly on Matt Barkley.

Avoid the Yellow Flags

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 31: Cornerback Talmadge Jackson III of the Oregon Ducks breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for wide receiver Ronald Johnson #8 Of the USC Trojans in the second quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Eugen

While playing at home, Oregon has managed to play extremely disciplined and avoid getting into trouble with penalties. When Oregon has headed out on the road, it has been a different story.

When playing on the road, you don't have the crowd behind you, so getting penalized will only prove to fire up the crowd further.

Win the Day

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Head Coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks watches the game against the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Oregon has been living by this saying since the day that Chip Kelly has taken over as head coach and it seems to be something that the entire team has truly bought in.

The Ducks will look to win the day for the rest of the week in practice and then be able to focus on the game. This team has been able to take things a day at a time, and with the hype that will surround this game, that is a good thing.

Show up at the Coliseum and win the day.