USC vs. Oregon: Ducks Outlast Trojans, Win 62-51

Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles from Southern California Trojans defensive end Morgan Breslin (91) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

SCORE: Oregon 62 USC 51

USC’s defense couldn’t stop Oregon’s offense anymore than the Duck’s could stop USC’s, but it would be the Ducks that prevailed in this Coliseum shootout, outlasting the Trojans 62-51.

USC had to punt for the first time in this game, and that decision undoubtedly played into the outcome.

With the ball back in their hands, Oregon extended their lead to 54-38, and the game looked out of reach, for good this time.

The Trojans did answer by way of Curtis McNeal and Nelson Agholor–who has really matured before our eyes tonight–and would reach the endzone by way of Barkley throwing to TE Randall Telfer under pressure, who brought it down in the endzone.

The Trojans onside kicked after the touchdown and though it looked like CB Nickell Robey made the catch in bounds, the replay officials deemed otherwise, and Oregon took over on downs. They were ultimately forced to punt, but it was too little, too late.

Oregon would hang on to their 10-point lead and then extended it when Kenjon Barner scored his 5th touchdown of the night. He would end his night with 321 yards as well.

The Trojans got out-gassed and were mentally defeated by the Blur of the Oregon Ducks, though they really put up a fight until the end. For the first time in USC history, the Trojans conceded more than 60 points in a game, and Oregon did it masterfully.

Barkey played a heck of a game–completing 35 of 54 passes for 484 yards and five touchdowns–and we saw the USC offense we thought we would be enjoying all season. Agolor caught six balls for 162 yards and Lee had 12 catches for 157, showing that they will likely be the next big wide receiver tandem out of USC.Silas Redd scored his eighth rushing touchdown, a new career-high for him in a performance that saw him rush for 95 yards, just short of having another 100-yard plus game on the books. This team still has a pulse, even if it isn’t always a strong one.

But in spite of the turn this season has taken, USC could still play in a Rose Bowl. There are three games left for the Trojans to redeem themselves before traveling to Eugene to again challenge the Ducks for the Pac-12 title.

It’s not a loss that can be pinned on anyone in particular–but can absolutely be blamed on the defense refusing to show up–but it is disappointing nonetheless.

For photos from the game, click here.