KEYS TO THE GAME
No. 9 USC (6-1, 3-1 )
at No. 5 Oregon (6-1, 3-1)
Today, noon, Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore.
TV: FSN Prime Ticket. Radio: 710, 1330
1Poised passers. USC’s Mark Sanchez needs to keep his cool and not be unnerved by the noise and the pressure to play mistake-free for the second week in a row. Oregon’s Dennis Dixon must keep the Trojans off balance with runs and passes and must avoid the interceptions that hurt the Ducks in a 31-24 loss to California.
2Got your back. Trojans linebackers Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers must plug holes sought by Pac-10 rushing leader Jonathan Stewart and also run down Dixon. Oregon linebackers Jerome Boyd, John Bacon and Kwame Agyeman must stop USC’s running game and control tight end Fred Davis.
3Special teams. Unlike Notre Dame, Oregon probably will make USC pay if it blocks a punt. The Trojans also must eliminate penalties on punt returns that often have affected field position. Oregon’s Stewart also is the Pac-10’s top kickoff returner, averaging 29.8 yards.
-- Gary Klein
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