- USC @ Oregon 1:30 Parmount+
Only about an hour before the game of the year kicks on CBS and Paramount. The radiant Jenny Dell and the rest of the CBS team will tell the story as it unfolds in Eugene. This is a late-season BIG10 matchup that matters in more than one way, and the stakes are high between these two old Pac-10 foes. The Trojans from Southern Cal are facing the Ducks of Western Oregon or, the Eiders of Eugene.
USC at 8-2 still has a real shot at the playoffs and Oregon at 9-1 would be a shoo-in for a top3 spot if they were to win the rest of the way. But will they? This game will help in answering that question along with giving us a glimpse towards how the regular season could look by the end, but we still will not know much more than we do now by the end. Maybe if USC loses, we will know the Trojans are eliminated, but other than that–there is still too many variables that won’t be known until after next week’s games.
So, let’s just focus on this one game. A game in which the home team is a relatively large favorite considering the closeness in the ranking. The rankings here at Single High Sports is a bit different than the National opinion. Currently, Oregon is 4th and USC 12th as ranked here and 6th and 16th Nationally. USC has been overlooked since the preseason. I’m not sure what the motivation is across many platforms to constantly besmirch Lincoln Riley, or the tireless effort to harp on the “soft tendencies of USC” as I’ve heard more than a few Nationally backed “analysts” and commentors say dating back to the preseason and continuing.
Even with the opinions what they are and the rankings differing slightly, I do wonder why Oregon is favored by ten-points. Seems like way too many which means Oregon will cover somehow, someway. Maybe, but I hope not. Let’s have a good game. That’s all I want.
“We ain’t as young as we used to be.” We need good games as the “Hands of Time” keep ticking along and the light of the regular season is waning. Yessir, let’s have a good game. A GAME of the YEAR kind of game.
USC and Oregon. My days, I love both of these teams this season. Both teams have coaches, quarterbacks, and defensive backs I love this year and both teams have elite freshman making impacts on every snap.
- USC RB King Miller
- ORE DB Aaron Flowers
Both of these freshmen will be making plays today.
You know, I don’t know why, but I always respect freshman, junior, and senior impact players on teams over sophomores. Something about seeing the word sophomore in front of the name makes me view them as slightly lesser. Only slightly and it’s not a disrespect as I appreciate many sophomores this season. KJ Bolden and Leonard Moore are two off the top of my head that are more than elite. Maybe it’s the ancient Greek messing with me: wise fools.
Maybe that’s me. Perhaps, I have sophomoric tendencies at times. We all have our moments.
Now–before getting to this massive game, let’s check the scores.
NOON SCORES:
- Oklahoma 17- MIZZ 6 8:38 4thQ
- Ahmad Hardy 57 yards vs OU Run Def
- Arizona 21- Baylor 17 5:32 3rd Q
- Kennesaw St 14 – MO St 6 near half
- Caleb Offord vs Jacob Clark
- Montana St 17 – Montana 7 near half
- Unbeaten Montana backed into a corner for the first time this season
That’s what I’m eyeballing at the moment.
We’ll dip back into these at Halftime of this game. T-31 minutes until kick.
–Adam Zucker just laid out the stat that USC under Lincoln Riley is 0-4 against top 10 teams. If you want to be one of the CFP12, it seems like the proper prerequisite would be to beat a top ten team once in a while. Perhaps, Riley has earned some of the criticism due to his teams not performing well in big games. The only way to quell those criticisms for good is to win a game such as this.
It looks absolutely gorgeous in Eugene right now. Low to mid 40’s with large puffy clouds spaced across the Rosemary Clooney blue eyed sky. Just an absolutely perfect day for a November football game. THE GAME of the YEAR!
I’ve written it all week–I love this game today and have been looking forward to it since June. That’s why I’m here typing along and sharing a word or two with you. Thanks for stopping in for an afternoon dose to curb the workday boredom. Well, it’s not a workday and maybe you aren’t bored. Either way, I’m glad to have you here.
–In the drop-down den with the fuzzy napping in the sunshine. A cup of coffee to my right and Brad Nessler on the TV. That’s where here is in the present.
And speaking of the present, here come Trojans bursting through the tunnel. Autzen is packed as tight as I’ve ever seen it. Dan Lanning looks full of passion. Almost like he could fight or cry at any moment. He’s feeling this one. Then again, he always loves the big moments and he’ll get a few in this game when he speaks with Jenny Dell.
“There is a real quiet confidence about the Trojans today.”- Jenny Dell
“It is brisk, I will say that it’s brisk.”- Brad Nessler
–USC to receive the opening kick. Makai Lemon deep..Autzen is electric. TB to the 20 and here we go…
How the hell do I have chills right now? Because I wasn’t kidding…I wanted this game!
USC with yellow pants, white jerseys, and red helmets moving right to left. Oregon in all black with green helmets. The cheerleaders are in puffy jackets.
–Big play up the left side to Jakobi Lane on 3rd down. Maiava dropped it in a bucket on the sideline. Let’s go! What a ball.
No resistance from Oregon at the moment. Early confusion on their usual dominant side of the ball. An illegal SUB Penalty on 3rd and long helped the Trojans. Now, 3rd and 4 from the 8 yard line….
- TD MAKAI LEMON!
A catch and run to the right. Lemon had the mismatch with the linebacker who moved over late. #6 showed off his explosiveness after the catch. Jamaar Chase type of dude.
That was honestly as easy as I’ve seen any team march down and score this season. It was effortless and Oregon seemed out of sorts. In fact, Brad Nessler just stated that “that is the first opening drive touchdown the Ducks have allowed this season.”
–ORE ball at the 20. Dante Moore, Kenyon Sadiq and Co..here we go!
-I don’t see Bishop Fitzgerald on the field currently…”Out injured.” Dang! That’s not very McNelly like in a game like this.
- TD Oregon Jordan Davis just gashed the USC defense
As easy as it was for USC to score, Oregon made it look that much easier. Poor tackling and poor spacing in the secondary. #19 will be missed at Safety in this game.
Good gracious. Two lightning quick drives to begin this game. 7-7 and basically the entire game left.
USC Safety #28 Kennedy Urlacher missed a wide-open tackle on the TD run. He’s in for Bishop. To go along with my sophomore point–that’s what he is. He looked a little more on the fool side on that particular play. Let’s see if there will be some wisdom gained for later. He will be needed.
Bishop leads the secondary in tackles and is third on the team overall. Not to mention his five INT’s and other impactful things he brings. #19 needs to get well soon for this team. Only up.
Now, who can step up for this team to slow the Duck running attack because there seemed to be little effort in bringing down the ball carrier. Kenyon Sadiq blocked Eric Gentry man-to-man to neutralize the Trojan defensive captain.
–USC next possession ends in a punt. Trojan starting Center limped off the field. 7-7 6:03 1stQ
Oregon ball after a word from the local sponsors.
Peroni. It’s in a green bottle and it’s delicious. Peroni.
Well, there is my one commercial.
–ORE BALL at the 35.
Sadiq is taking whatever he wants. He blocks with the ferocity of a lineman and catches and sprints like he’s a Heisman Candidate wide out. All while looking like he should be competing in body building competitions. He’s an NFL guy for sure to all the FF owners.
–ORE ball at the 20. 2:37 1st Q. Dante Moore has not looked sharp thus far but that could be because he is without his top three receivers. New Oregon receiver’s vs new USC DB’s. Interesting dynamic.
- TD Kenyon Sadiq. Wide open. Sadiq is taking whatever he wants and there is no one on the USC team even interested in stopping him. Christian Pearce was the culprit this time. 14-7 ORE.
Yikes. USC did not come close to slowing the Ducks on that drive. Tackling has been weak so far. Poor technique and positioning. The effort has to improve.
–USC ball…big play up the right. Maiava with another perfect ball to Tanook Hines for 40 yards. Subtract fifteen for the personal foul penalty. “Unsportsmanlike” for spinning the football.
-END 1st 14-7 Oregon leads. USC with the ball and driving. This has been fun so far.
Can anyone on the Trojan defense stop Kenyon Sadiq in this game? That guy might get three touchdowns in this game if not. He’s too fast for the linebackers and too big for the DB’s. He’s tenacious on the run block. He jumps like Jimmy Graham. This dude is a problem for any defense.
USC may just need to score a bunch.
-Out of the commercial break..
- TD USC!! Makai Lemon–this time throwing a touchdown to Tanook Hines. A double pass executed to perfection and Tanook Hines with a stellar hands catch. What a play!
-14-14 just like that. 14:52 2nd Q. Game of the year? So far Bucko. So Far.
The Oregon pass rush has been making an impact on the passing game, but the secondary has looked suspect. The quick throws that aren’t being batted down at the line of scrimmage by the big boys are slicing the secondary–And this is leading to some deep shots which USC is taking. 3/4 so far on throws over 25 yards.
–ORE Ball…out across the 50 in one play. A great ball from Moore.
Followed by bad throws and Oregon punts.
-USC Ball at the 15. 12:42. Commercial
Zero plays run for Sadiq on that drive. Twice he was matched up with Eric Gentry. Two elite dudes. Both wear #18 and both physical equals.
-USC taking shots left and right. Jakobi Lane for 17 out to midfield.
-USC punts…
- TD OREGON!! Malik Benson 85 yard Punt Return for a TD.
Elite, elite track level, speed up the left side. In a blink of an eye, he was gone. One of those that you knew as soon as he made his fourth step that it would go the distance. Just like that–it’s 21-14. This is the GAME of the YEAR! I mean, this has been so much fun so far and this weather in Oregon looks just perfect.
It’s late November, this game matters, LET”S GO!
–USC ball now trailing 21-14. Let’s see Aaron Flowers make a play.
Maiava has delivered some nice balls today and two on this drive. A Tracy McGrady like fade away to Hines on the most recent one. Right on the money. Nothing but net like T-Mac used to do. Holy smokes. That was an era for basketball….back to this game of oblong football.
–3rd and a lot from midfield….INT Oregon! Their 10th of the season. A deep ball thrown into quad coverage was picked by #7. USC Unsportsmanlike Penalty.
Weird vibes from the Trojans. They are not playing like winners right now. Winners do not get these stupid penalties especially in a game like this that matters. Selfish focus leads to failures. There is room to grow in the discipline department. It’s still very early in the game…6 minutes left 1st Half.
–MOORE best ball of the day up the left. Faded his receiver towards the sideline. Malik Benson with a beautiful over the shoulder the shoulder catch. But minus 15 for another UNSPORTS-LIKE PEN. This time on Oregon. What a throw down to the fifteen but back to the 30!
–another fifteen back for the offense due to an OFFENSIVE facemask….They’ve gained about 70 yards this drive but continue to penalize themselves. FG attempt 44 yarder…
-ITS MISSED but….another personal foul, this time on USC, keeps the Duck drive alive. This is getting weird. Oregon ball at the 15. 2:19 to go in the half.
TWO Minute warning. What in the world is going on? So many personal foul penalties. Both teams. And in huge spots. Weird. Just play the game.
The game that has been awesome to watch. The last little bit was quirky but what can you do?
Oregon leads 21-14 and looks very close to scoring again after the big run to get to this commercial break. Can USC find a way to slow the Duck running attack? Or is this Sadiq time?
–Its the run..and it’s a big one. Down to the half inch line. He fell into the endzone but after the ref prematurely blew the whistle. —It was a definite TD that should have counted. Either way, Oregon is running right through USC at the moment. 96 yards rushing this half.
- TD OREGON! HB Power to the right. It’s the Linebacker Bryce Boettcher as easy as anyone could have.
28-14 Oregon 90 seconds to go in the half. Just a quick little–
–Oregon gets the ball out of the half. USC needs to answer here, or this GAME of the YEAR might end up being just a great first quarter. Let’s believe in the Trojans here to keep this one alive. Maiava. He’s the key. Maiava to his three favorite targets all day.
-USC Ball at the 20. 1:52 to go in the half.
–Straight out of the gate..53 yard pass up the right to HINES! USC inside the Oregon 30. Maiava is a gunslinger….followed by a nice eight yard run by Maiava. He’s feeling it.
-1st and goal from the 9. 1 minute left…Makai Lemon stuffed at the line of scrimmage on a run. Two Oregon DB’s combine for a nice edge tackle. Seemed like a funky play call for that spot.
-2nd and goal was a handoff to Lemon to the right and stuffed minus two. What the crap kind of play call is that? back to back? Weird. 18 seconds and counting…..finally a timeout at 15 seconds. What in the world?
Why did USC stop throwing? Two runs with Lemon against a team that has stifled the run this entire game does not make sense when Maiva was in a groove.
3rd and goal from the 12 and it’s incomplete to Jakobi Lane. It’s great coverage but a better throw could have been a touchdown.
More bad news for USC…the FG doinked. NO GOOD. 28-14 Oregon with a few seconds remaining in the half. Oregon could put this game out of reach with a score out of the half…
HALFTIME 28-14
—
SCORE UPDATE:
- Oklahoma 17- MIZZ 6 FINAL
- Arizona 41- Baylor 17
- Kennesaw St 41 – MO St 34 near half
- Jacob Clark threw for 344 and three touchdowns but also threw two picks.
- Montana St 31 – Montana 28 Final
- Down go the unbeaten Grizzlies
Ahmad Hardy versus the Oklahoma run defense was on my watchlist and the Oklahoma defense came out on top. The Sooners remain one of my favorite teams this season. No one in the country has been tested like them. One more big game next week against LSU. IF the Tigers lose to the Sooners, they could be Liberty Bowl bound, so this isn’t exactly a premier Bayou Bengal team. The Sooners should expect a win.
Arizona wins again! 8-3! Unbelievable season for Coach Brennen.
—
So, there’s a little look at where we are in the day. Still other action unfolding across the land, including just down the road from me at Rice-Eccles. Utah is hosting Kansas St and currently losing 31-21 at the half.
Notre Dame is up like 50 to zero in Syracuse. Easy, easy. The Syracuse Orange has been juiced.
Whoops…let’s get back to this game before I think I’m too clever. A halftime Peroni may be in store. See you in a bit.
—
SECOND HALF
–ORE BALL on the 20
-Big play to Sadiq but negated due to a holding penalty. Sadiq took what he wanted once again.
I’m rooting for a USC stop somehow, someway. We need this to remain close. Long Commercial Break.
This has been a great day through my lens. A trip up to 10,000 feet was how I began the day, and I’m still carrying that Alpine energy in this late afternoon. It was 20 degrees, clear and calm. Just an easy walk around a lake. Frozen and bleak but perfect. The clear sky and bright orange peaks made for quite the phot op if one were so inclined. I may know one or two. One in particular who shares my bed.
The face and fingertips hurt by the end of the loop, but it was a great way to start the day. Cold, clean fresh air and the quiet of nature. Well, except for the snowmaking machines. There was a constant “Whirr” coming from the slopes as they desperately try to get enough on the ground to ski. Snowfall is delayed a week in Utah. Next week looks nice and white.
-Back to the game.
-USC ball and Maiava threw a pick. Back to commercial and when we come back it’ll be Oregon ball. That was Jayden’s worst throw of the day. USC might be in trouble. This Oregon running game is about to eat.
BUT instead…Kennedey Urlacher with an INT! Dante Moore laid it over the middle behind his receiver and Kennedy made a nice hands play tipping the ball to himself. Bad throw, but great pick by the sophomore. The wise leaning version.
USC BALL 10:15 3rd Q.
USC moving quickly. Helped by a PI down to the 25 yard line. Maiava limping after a scramble..
-Jerry Mixon with a beast edge tackle on Lemon! Jerry Mixon is one of those four mentioned in the preview…Beast mode. “4th and a long 2”
-On 4th down Maiava power sweep to the right for the 1st down and more. Down to the ten!
-Fresch-McNelly candidate Aaron Flowers with a stick tackle on the back up USC RB Jackson. Big Play by the freshman! 3rd and 3.
- TD MAKAI LEMON! Maiava with a perfect throw. Lemon with the sure handed catch and feet. Easy as that. 5:48 3rd Q 28-21 ORE
Good to see Mixon and Flowers getting involved in a big way. When the moment has been in front of them, they’ve done their duty. USC has gone away from Flowers on the strong side most of the game.
Also, great to see USC get a Touchdown. Let’s get this GAME of the YEAR back to where it was!
Oregon needs to run the ball. That’s where they’ve been strongest. Moore doesn’t look sharp today.
–ORE BALL at the 24
-Noah Whittington with a fifteen yard slash up the right guard on the first play…Oregon is running the ball.
-Dierre Hill for eleven to the left. two of the three Ducks that impact this running game.
Oregon O-lineman is down…USC can NOT stop this run at the moment.
–Briefly looking ahead…It’s Washington at UCLA tonight on Peacock and Arsenal tomorrow morning in the North London Derby. I’ll be locked in on both. A late night–early morning situation.
–AND NOTRE DAME IS UP 70-0! Easy, easy.
-ORE BALL 3rd and 2 from the USC 26 its a pass..to Sadiq
- TD OREGON! 28 yard Moore to Sadiq. Right over the middle. A STRIKE!! Clayton Kershaw on the corner strike.
Moore is elite. So is Sadiq. So is this running game. So is this run defense. IN short, Oregon is ELITE. USC in big trouble. 35-21 2:13 3rd Q.
What a throw and catch. Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham. That’s what it looked like. Perfect.
–USC BALL
Autzen still buzzing while the Western Sun fades.
USC moving with tempo but inefficiently. 3rd and 7 from their own territory. SACK FUMBLE recovered by USC. Big play by OREGON! It’s getting chilly on that USC sideline. Lincoln Riley will be feeling that chill on the back of his neck. His team and their playoff hopes are on the line. The Trojans punted. 35-21. 9 seconds remain in the third quarter.
OREGON BALL Begin the 4th after this commercial break.
The Trojan defense needs a score. Who can make the play? Oregon benefited from the punt return earlier. What tricks does USC still have to play? It’s the 4th quarter. The Season is on the line! What else is in the playbook? It’s now or never Trojans. It’s now or never Lincoln. 0-4 against in the top 10. Those kinds of stats do not prove anyone to be a playoff team. You have to win games like these.
Down 14 on the road going into the 4th and your opponent has the ball–What can you do USC?
-ORE BALL at the 37
-TFL USC Christian Pearce! 3rd and 9. and FUMBLE! then Sack.
Dante Moore fumble and recovered then was dropped way back. 4th and 21. USC with the tenacity on defense. The Tackle for Loss set the tone. The Trojan offense will have a chance to respond.
–That was the best USC has looked on defense. Just a little extra spark on that drive. Oregon was a little goofy with the play calls. Still a fourteen point game in the GAME of the YEAR.
–Oregon has over 100 yards in penalties this game and still lead by 14.
-USC ball at the 37.
-Back to back pass interference calls on Oregon and USC is threatening. Good gracious. 130 penalty yards for the Ducks.
King Miller with a catch and run and the Trojans have a 1st and goal! Nope. Down the 12. 12 minutes to go trailing 14.
- TD LAKE McCREE!!
Just like I said in the preview–LAKE McCREE is DUE is what I wrote. USC going for two….Failed. 35-27 ORE.
Fresh-McNelly Aaron Flowers broke up the pass that was surely going to be caught for the conversion.
Lake McCree was due, and he proved that with a big touchdown just now. I love it when the players in the preview shine when they’re supposed to. Well done, Lake!
And Flowers, tenacious on the back end on the 2pt attempt.
This game is taking shape. 11 minutes to go and USC about to kick. Chaos is destined to take place momentarily.
–ORE BALL
–Each team with 21 first downs
Oregon coming out throwing and face third down. I don’t understand abandoning the run. Third down throw complete. If I’m the Ducks, I run the ball with these backs…Ducks up the gut and the Trojan line stuffed it. Both teams grinding. The “Hands of Time” keep on ticking.
–Big play to Sadiq. He takes what he wants. Oregon into Trojan territory. 8 Minutes and change remain. 35-27.
– Oregon Running game with big plays on back to back plays. Ducks are taking every second of the play clock. Eiders of Eugene marching.
-Oregon inside the 10, and its Whittington. Straight up the gut…
- TD OREGON! Easy ten yard run up the middle for Whittington. It’s 42-27. It’s all but over. Five minutes remain.
USC can come back but it’ll take something special because this Oregon team is exactly that–something special. Ranked #4 in the SHS rankings. I only see three teams that can beat them. The one that already has along with Georgia and Ohio St. End of list. This is a complete team.
–USC BALL 3rd down and 8 1st series..
Maiava hands it to Miller up the middle for no gain and USC is going for it on fourth down…HOLY CRAP! It’s completed.
–Jakobi Lane out to the 36 and a first down. I don’t get 3rd and 8 up the middle. What was that?
USC bailed out on a jump ball to Jakobi Lane on 4th down and the game stays alive a moment longer. Timeout Ducks. 3:15 remaining.
Late drama still possible if USC scores quick enough. 3rd and 10 from the ORE 30…Now 4th down. USC looks confused and Lincoln’s confidence looks shaken on the sidelines. Saddened USC fans hold Modelo tall boys in the frigid stands.
-On 4th down OREGON tipped the pass at the line and the ball fluttered behind Makai Lemon. Oregon takes over. USC playoff hopes are also that–over.
It’s been a fun ride trying to will this team to the playoffs. I’ll tell you–that Illinois loss was not on my path for them. That one hurt and made a game like this a must-win.
It was a shame not to see Bishop Fitz in this game. Could he have made an impact? Maybe. I don’t know though. Oregon looks like one of those teams of destiny.
Final Four bound like we predicted in “Predicting the Unpredictable.” They are living up to that billing. Quack, Quack, Quack. It’s duck season across the U.S. but not in Eugene, Oregon. The Eiders of Eugene are alive and well and soaring high above most of the college football world at the moment. This may just be their year.
–Oregon currently chipping towards the end of this game. USC is doing all they can to no avail.
In other SCORES:
- TCU beat Houston
- K St up 10 on Utah down the road
The Big12 is a funky bunch this year. A fun league, but a funky league. 18 seconds to go 4th and 5 Oregon ball. Timeout.
It’ll be time to eat in a bit. Pigs in a blanket and Cookies before the late night kick from the Rose Bowl. I’ll be right here for it.
USC ball 11 seconds remain. 42-27 is the score. Oregon smothers the running back at the line and the game ends as it should’ve. OREGON WINS and DOMINATES in a GAME of the YEAR type of situation. The Ducks are real and play in Seattle next week against Demond Washington who we will watch tonight against UCLA.
I’ll see you on that one.
Hope this has been fun. I had a blast!
USC falls in Eugene 42-27. The Ducks are soaring into the playoffs.
Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’
Whit W.