USC vs. Oregon: LaMichael James and Ducks Will Roll over Trojans

The USC Trojans will be begging for mercy after the LaMichael James-led Oregon Ducks offense take the field Saturday night in the Pac-12 showdown of epic proportions.

The Trojans come into the matchup at 8-2 on the season, having lost two games to Arizona State and a Stanford team ranked No. 6 at the time. The Trojans were handled by Arizona State 43-22, but lost to Stanford in a tough, triple-overtime loss at home.

What makes both of these losses all the more significant is the fact that USC hasn't beaten a ranked opponent all season. Granted, Stanford was the only ranked opponent they played, but it is still a significant factor in this matchup.

Oregon has been able to knock off both No. 16 Arizona State and No. 4 Stanford this season, giving LSU a run for their money in their only loss, which was to open up the season.

This also makes clear advantage these Ducks have, which is the simple fact that they have beaten the same teams that USC struggled to come out on top against. The Trojans were blown out by Arizona State and went down to the wire against Stanford at home.

Meanwhile, the Ducks blew out both Arizona State and Stanford, beating Stanford most recently 53-30. And most thought the Cardinals had what it took to take down the team that "hadn't been tested" all season.

Earlier this season, the Ducks beat Arizona State 41-27, a team ranked No. 16 at the time.

The other evident advantage will be the running game of LaMichael James. James has been on a tear this season, rushing for a sixth-best 1,207 yards on just 153 carries.

The lead rusher in college football, David Wilson of Virginia Tech, has picked up his 1,442 yards on 231 carries. Missing two games and being injured for one, James is easily the top rusher in the league if he is able to play the entire season. James' 7.9 yards per carry rank No. 5 in the nation.

The Ducks also boast a top-notch defense, ranking No. 32 in the nation, while USC ranks at No. 55. Oregon can both run out the clock on offense with the run game and keep teams off the field on defense. In their last four games, the Ducks have outscored opponents by a total of 98 points, including their most recent victory over Andrew Luck and the Cardinals.

There is no question that USC is a force to reckon with in the Pac-12. But, at the end of the day, these Trojans will no be able to handle the firepower that the Ducks boast offensively.