USC vs. Oregon: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

The Oregon Ducks are hosting the USC Trojans this week, looking to continue their dominance that they have displayed since falling to LSU to kick the season off.

They have slowly and steadily climbed back up the BCS rankings and are positioned at No. 4 right now, primed to make another national championship should the teams ahead of them falter.

USC is looking to get a signature win over the Pac-12 leader right now and build hope for next season when they can actually make a bowl game.

It’s going to be an excellent game, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know about it.

Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ABC Regional/ESPN3

Spread: Oregon -14.5 (via ScoresAndOdds)

Oregon has so much more to play for in this game and a lot more to lose than USC.

For this reason, I like the Trojans to cover.

They are going to try to play spoiler to a Ducks team that has been rolling lately and still hopes they can compete for the national championship for the second year in a row.

Since USC is banned from postseason play this year, beating a team like Oregon gives them a victory they can build on next season. It also helps to avenge their triple-overtime loss to Stanford three weeks ago.

Even if they don’t win outright, Lane Kiffin’s squad should give the Ducks everything they can handle and this game will be decided by ten points or less.

Over/Under: 67.5 (via ScoresAndOdds)

Over. These two teams will be trading punches like prizefighters throughout the night and the knockout blow is going to come late after a fistful of points have already been put on the board.

I expect this one to go into the high 80s for a point total, and it should be a wild game.

Key Injuries (via CollegeInjuryReport.com)

USC

WR Robert Woods – QST (Ankle) – Woods has been playing through a nagging ankle injury for weeks now but it may be jeopardizing his long-term health. He is not recovering and it is getting progressively worse. The sophomore star will do his best to be on the field but coach Kiffin may hold him out.

Oregon

No major injuries to report.

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

Oregon is currently No. 4 in the BCS standings and is still very much alive in the hunt to make it back to the national title game.

With a big win over Stanford last week, they have pretty much guaranteed themselves a spot in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game.

They will be looking to close out the Trojans and Oregon State in back-to-back weeks to go unbeaten since dropping their first game. If LSU or Oklahoma State loses before the bowls begin, Oregon would be one of the most seriously considered programs to make the biggest game in college football for a second straight year.

USC is ranked No. 18 in the AP poll but not found in the BCS and USA Today rankings.

Does it matter?

The Trojans couldn’t make the national title if they went undefeated against the best teams in the country, due to their postseason ban.

All they can do at this juncture is spoil seasons and who better to do it against than the class of their conference, the Oregon Ducks.

Keys to USC Win

Relax.

There isn’t anything major for the Trojans to win or lose here and that’s exactly what their coach wants his players to feel like.

"It's a very challenging week. They might be the hottest team in the country," USC coach Lane Kiffin said. "(But) the pressure is off, we're going to go up there and have some fun."

If Matt Barkley is able to perform at his best and play mistake-free football, the USC offense can hang with the Ducks and possibly pull off the upset.

Keys to Oregon Win

LaMichael James.

James is the Trojan killer. He has put up 422 yards and two touchdowns in his two career games against them.

While their run defense has drastically improved this year, USC has not yet faced a back with the incredible skills of this young man.

He is leading the nation with over 150 yards a game and is the reason why the Ducks are such a force once again this year.

If he has a good day, the Trojans have no chance.

Prediction

Oregon 52 - USC 47