USC (4-0) might be unbeaten, but it’s the one team that had a problem against Rutgers this season, the defense has been a tad leaky, and then there’s the “prove it, Lincoln” factor.
Just 16-10 at a Big Ten program, this is it. This is the moment when the Trojans can show that they’re ready to be a player in the national title hunt. Last year, they had a shot to make some noise when they played Oregon, too, lost 42-27, and that was basically it for the season.
Oregon (2-1) got its bully on in an 84-0 win over Portland State last week, showing off the interest in playing college football that it didn’t have in the 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State. Win this, and then everything is back on track.
Oregon vs USC: Quick Hits
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Oregon has won four straight in the series, including the 2020 Pac-12 Championship that – maybe – kept USC out of the College Football Playoff.
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At least on paper, Oregon has it much easier after this with three home games in four, starting with UCLA. At Ohio State in November will probably be the only game left when it’s not the favorite.
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How To Watch Oregon vs USC
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
– Week 4 Schedule & Predictions
– CFN Expert Picks Week 4
Why Oregon Will Win
The Ducks didn’t seem to have any rhythm or energy on offense in the Oklahoma State loss, but are we good now? Are Dante Moore and the offensive parts back up to speed after rolling at will on Portland State?
The USC defense is trying hard, and it pitched a gem in the win against Fresno State, but when Rutgers is able to move the ball against you, there’s a problem. Moore and the passing game will be fine, but it will be the running attack that has to get going.
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The Trojans haven’t been a brick wall up front, and now it’s up to Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill, and all the other backs in the rotation to take over the tempo from the start.
Why USC Will Win
The Oklahoma State quarterback wasn’t always on in the win over Oregon, but he hit the big plays down the field and kept hitting the Duck secondary time and again on key plays. Oregon’s defense has been fantastic this year on third downs, but Mestemaker was big, Boise State‘s Maddux Madsen averaged 8.3 yards per throw, and now it’s Jayden Maiava‘s turn.
Maiava was a bit off against Rutgers, but he’s still among the nation’s leaders in completion percentage, yards, and scores, hitting 76% of his throws for close to 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. When he needed to come up with the big plays last week against the Scarlet Knights, he did.
Oregon vs USC Prediction, Betting Lines
Oregon keeps getting in USC’s way. It feels like every time the Trojans need a big win over the last decade or so, they come up short when dealing with the Ducks.
Both teams will bring the effort, focus, and A-game in what will finally feel like a fun college football environment in the Coliseum.
Both teams will hit the other with big offensive plays and drives, but when needed, Maiava and the Trojan offense will take over the clock in the fourth quarter of a thriller.
USC 34, Oregon 30
Latest Consensus Line: Oregon -3.5, o/u: 62.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5
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Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
