Reasons Why Ducks vs. Trojans Will Become the Pac-12's Top Rivalry Game

The Pac-12 is infamous for having some pretty weak rivalry games, Yes, USC-UCLA, The Apple Cup, the Big Game and the Civil War are all huge games, but none have really caught the eyes of a nation like Michigan-Ohio State or the Iron Bowl.

All of that is about to change in the coming years.

Mark my words, Oregon vs. USC is going to become one of the top rivalries in the conference, let alone the nation.

I know many of you will call me crazy because Oregon and USC don't have the historical or geographical implications of many of the other great rivalries, but head the gravity of what I am saying; the sparks are about to fly.

Oregon Dominating at Autzen

Autzen Stadium is USC's ultimate nightmare.

The last time the Trojans notched a victory in the Autzen Zoo, it was 2005, and the last time USC visited Eugene, their ultimate fears were revealed on a dark Halloween night.

The Trojans lost their worst game in the Pete Carroll era, 47-20, and since then, they have never been the same. They fell from being THE Pac-10 to now being the league's third-best team. 

North vs South

With the Pac-12 now featuring a conference championship game between the best team from the North and South divisions, we will see the fire start to grow more and more.

Oregon is without a doubt the top team in the North after they dismantled Stanford, 53-30, in Palo Alto.

USC will return to the top of their division next year after their two-year probation is lifted. UCLA, Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and Colorado are no match for the Trojans once they can start to compete again.

Once the Ducks and Trojans continue to play each other year after year for the conference title, the hate between the fanbases will continue to balloon.

Stealing De'Anthony Thomas

"Black Mamba" was supposedly a die-hard USC commit.

That all changed when he took a secret visit up to Eugene and fell in love with Oregon, changing his commitment on signing day and going with the Ducks instead.

Since Oregon took that prize recruit away from the Trojans, there is without a doubt in my mind that a seed of resentment is being placed not just in the minds of the fans, but now the players. USC players are going to have something extra for Thomas every time he touches the ball.

Oregon Becoming the Pac-12 Powerhouse

Look back a few years, and USC is the only good program in the Pac-12.

That is no longer the case. Oregon has dethroned the mighty Trojans and have taken their place atop the Conference.

Fights for bragging rights will continue to rage on, as the Ducks and Trojans battle to win the Pac-12 year after year.

Matt Barkley Comments

Matt Barkley has entered the past two games against Oregon doing a whole lot of talking.

"

I think Oregon is very good this year. But I think they were better when we played them in the past.

"

Barkley bashing the Ducks with his words rather than his play on the fuel is going to influence the rivalry in the same way De'Anthony Thomas' switch does; Oregon players are going to have a little something extra for Barkley.

Note: Barkley is 0-2 against the Ducks in his career at USC.