USC vs. Oregon: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Ducks Must Make

This is a game of epic proportions for these two Pac-12 teams. USC has nothing to lose, and are playing for pride right now as the NCAA sanctions against them don't allow any postseason possibilities.

Oregon is coming off a huge win at Stanford last week that vaulted them back into the National Championship picture. With second-ranked Oklahoma State's upset loss yesterday, the Ducks may be playing for a berth in the title game and a rematch against LSU.

It remains to be seen if the Oregon defense can stop Matt Barkley and the Trojans. It also remains to be seen if the USC scoring machine can keep up with the speedy Ducks' attack. 

Either way, Oregon will have to make some big adjustments at halftime to knock off the 18th-ranked Trojans, who lead 21-7. Here are five of them:

1. Unleash James

It's no secret that LaMichael James is a beast. Containing him might prove difficult for any defense, but it will be a key for USC to win. I don't mean contain as in completely shut down. I mean contain as in limit the damage. If they can avoid allowing the big play, they've done their jobs.

The Ducks really need to let James run free. A large majority of their play calls do go to James, and deservedly so. But if they can focus on getting him the ball even more, he's going to cause more and more problems for a sure-to-be worn-down Trojan D.

2. It's All About the Thomas'

QB Darron Thomas and WR/KR De'Anthony Thomas are absolutely explosive. They both have ability similar to James, where they can break a big play off at any second. The Oregon offense has a lot of weapons, but if the Thomas' are allowed to run free, they will score points in bunches.

USC has started hot on offense today, but there's no way their defense can become complacent and expect to hang on to the lead. Oregon needs to continue to give Darren Thomas the option to run with the ball, and find ways to get the freshman phenom a few more touches too.

3. Keep Them Off Balance

I think we all know that Oregon plays at a ridiculously fast pace. It has killed opponents for two years and it completely ruined Stanford last week. USC has faced it before, but they still won't be able to fully prepare to have the right personnel on the field for every defensive snap.

If Oregon can get them to waste a timeout or get a penalty when they are already gaining momentum on one of those fast drives, they will be in business. The Trojans will be scrambling to make sure they have their defensive alignments and subs planned out and practiced coming into the second half.

4. Don't Get Beat Deep

As we've already seen tonight, the Oregon secondary can be beat deep. Not having Cliff Harris hurts them, but it's been a slight hole all year. Usually the offense can more than make up for any shortcoming on defense, but tonight it may spell trouble for the Ducks.

Matt Barkley is having himself a game right now, and USC will continue to take shots down field and mix it up with the running game to keep that defense honest. If Oregon is going to come back and steal this lead back, they need to hang on receivers a lot better.

5. Keep the Momentum

Autzen Stadium in Eugene is one of the toughest environments in the entire conference to play in. The fans are loud, passionate and smart. Oregon is starting to get momentum back after cutting into the lead, but you want to make sure these fans are in it for the long run. 

Oregon has a huge advantage in this stadium if they keep the crowd loud and wild. The offense is too dangerous to not climb back in, so you can only expect an ear-shattering decibel level from the stands. If USC lets their foot off the gas, Autzen will explode and help the Ducks get a big "W."