Family Rivalries to Start, Huge Ones to Follow in College Football

Oregon and USC have been conference rivals for quite some time. With a few exceptions, whoever has won the Oregon-USC matchups in recent years has gone on to win the outright Pac-10 championship, or become co-champs.

Not only do Oregon and USC have a big, but underrated rivalry, a closer look at each team's roster makes a world of difference. Over half of Oregon's roster is from California, with many of the players having played on the same high school football teams as those of USC players. Not only does this signal rivalry, but both schools have different family members playing on each side.

Oregon offensive lineman Fenuki Tupou will be blocking against his brother tomorrow. Casey Matthews' brother will be filling in for Rey Maulauga.

What can we expect from this matchup? Well, Oregon is not a pushover. USC cannot afford to overlook anyone, as evidenced by their loss to lowly Oregon State last Thursday.

At the same time, Oregon cannot afford to overlook USC. Just because the Trojans lost to Oregon State, it does not mean that USC is a bad team. That is a complete lie, as USC has perhaps the deepest talent pool in all of college football

Let's look at why Oregon State was able to stun the world by beating USC. One, USC came into the came very overconfident, and gave Oregon State the victory. Also, Oregon State was able to control the clock by running the football very effectively, mainly because "The Quizz" is the smallest slotback in the Pac-10—he was able to slip through the smallest holes.

So what does Oregon have going for it this week? The Ducks have a much better slotback in Jeremiah Johnson, a nightmare in the spread option offense. They also have a great power back in LeGarrette Blount, who has been known to leap over tacklers and throw defenders to the turf.

The Ducks also have a solid receiving corps, anchored by Ed Dickson at tight end, and Jaision Williams, Terrence Scott, and Jeff Mahel at wide receiver. Two dual-threat quarterbacks, Jeremiah Masoli and Darron Thomas, anchor the position. The Ducks defense is also very strong in all areas.

For Oregon to win this game, two things need to happen. First, the defensive line must put pressure on Mark Sanchez, on every play. If you allow Sanchez time to throw in the pocket, he can really hurt you. This is what the Beavers were able to do for most of the game.

Secondly, defensive coordinator Nick Alliotti needs to stick to the game plan when it is working. Oregon's defense wasn't letting Boise State earn any yardage the first three series of the game, then Alliotti calls for a prevent defense. Look how that turned out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

This being said, Oregon will be prepared. USC will also be prepared, and angry. Look how that turned out for Michigan last season.

My verdict: Oregon 28, USC 24.

Very close game that should be a nail-biter all the way to the finish.

GO DUCKS