PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: College Football Week 13

USC @ Oregon

Saturday – 12:30 PM on CBS

Autzen Stadium — Eugene, Oregon

PREVIEW

USC heads north for a major Big Ten test as the Trojans travel to Eugene for a ranked showdown against Oregon — a matchup with postseason implications across the conference.

The Trojans enter at 8–2 (6–1 Big Ten) after a gritty comeback win over Iowa, rallying from an 11-point halftime deficit to outscore the Hawkeyes 19–0 the rest of the way. It was USC’s most complete second half of the season, anchored by timely defense and a steadying offensive performance.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava continues to deliver one of the nation’s most efficient seasons, entering the weekend as the country’s leader in QBR. He threw for 254 yards and a touchdown against Iowa while completing over 70% of his passes, keeping USC’s offense balanced and poised when the game tightened.

The weapon that continues to separate USC from most of the conference? Makai Lemon.
The Biletnikoff semifinalist is up to 1,090 yards on the year and leads the Power Four in first-down receptions. He’s coming off a 10-catch, 153-yard performance and remains the most dangerous open-field threat in the Big Ten.

USC’s run game continues to steadily rise thanks to freshman King Miller and physical back Bryan Jackson, who scored twice vs. Iowa. Defensively, USC has quietly posted one of the strongest three-week stretches of its season, holding each of its last three opponents to three points or fewer in the second half.

But Saturday may be their toughest challenge of the year.

Oregon enters at 9–1 (6–1 Big Ten) and remains one of the most complete teams in college football. The Ducks hold top-10 national rankings in scoring defense, total defense, pass defense, and yards per rush. They fly around the field, tackle well in space, and rarely give up explosive plays.

Offensively, Oregon is equally dangerous. Quarterback Dante Moore has thrown 22 touchdowns with just five interceptions, while the Ducks’ rushing attack averages more than 6 yards per carry, making them one of the most efficient ground games in the country. Even while missing key receivers last week, Oregon rolled to a dominant win over Minnesota.

Autzen Stadium only makes the task more challenging — Oregon is allowing just over 12 points per game at home, and USC hasn’t left Eugene with a win since 2011.

For USC to pull the upset, they’ll need Maiava to be sharp, Lemon to continue playing at an elite level, and the defense to replicate its recent second-half success. Oregon’s strength, depth, and home-field advantage make the margin for error razor thin.

JP’S PICK

USC keeps this competitive behind Maiava and Lemon, but Oregon’s defense and rushing attack take control late.

JP’s Pick: Oregon 34, USC 24