Preview: USC vs. Oregon

USC players have waited two seasons to play Oregon and their chance will come on Saturday.

The last time the teams met in 2012, the Ducks won 62-51, and several of USC’s young playmakers were still recruits who watched from the Coliseum stands.

USC, ranked 24th in the College Football Playoff poll, is 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Pac-12 Conference. Oregon, ranked 23rd, shares the same record.

A victory over Oregon and against UCLA next week would make USC the Pac-12 South division champion, guaranteeing the Trojans a spot in the conference championship game on Dec. 5 and strengthening Clay Helton’s campaign to become head coach.

Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has led Oregon to four consecutive victories since returning from a hand injury that slowed and sidelined him in the first half of the season.

The Ducks boast the top total offense in the Pac-12, averaging 532 yards per game. Running back Royce Freeman leads the conference in rushing yards, averaging 139 per game.

USC must play without tailback Tre Madden, who remains sidelined because of a nagging knee injury.

And the defense must replace the production of freshman linebacker Cameron Smith, who is sidelined because of a season-ending knee injury. Smith led the team in tackles and interceptions.

Fifth-year senior Lamar Dawson, Smith’s backup, also is sidelined because of a season-ending injury. Junior Michael Hutchings and sophomores Uchenna Nwosu and Olajuwon Tucker practiced in Smith’s place during the week.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 pm at Autzen Stadium in Eugene and will be broadcast on ESPN.

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