USC vs Oregon: Ducks Lead Trojans 48-38 In Shootout At The End Of The Third Quarter

Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) is pressured by Oregon Ducks defensive end Taylor Hart (66) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

SCORE: Oregon 48 USC 38The Trojans refused to let the momentum they created for themselves die coming out of the half, chipping away at Oregon’s not-so-intimidating defense until they conceded a two-yard touchdown by Silas Redd. The Trojans marched down the field on their opening drive, gobbling up 65 yards in 11 plays to cut the Ducks lead to just three points.

After seeming completely out of this game at points in the second quarter, the Trojans gave spectators a reason to believe.

Kenjon Barner got 16 yards on his first carry once Oregon took over on yards, showing that Oregon was not fazed at all by USC’s most recent strike. As much as Oregon’s defense has not stopped the Trojans all game, so has the Trojan defense been unable to slow down the Ducks. 13 plays later, Kenjon Barner ran the ten yards for another touchdown, putting Oregon back up by 10.

Two and a half quarters of this and there can no longer be a question that the winner of this contest will be whoever keeps their defense off the field longer as neither the Ducks nor the Trojans have been able to stop anything all night.

Marqise Lee continued his quest for serious Heisman contention–and also the designation of USC’s greatest receiver of all time–by returning the following kick 82 yards. The Trojans took over at the 16 yard line in prime position to strike back quickly themselves. Silas Redd again found the endzone in the third quarter, this time from three yards out. The Trojans cut the lead to three again, and took 2:42 off the clock to do so.

And then Oregon took over on downs and…you already know where this is going. Marcus Mariota threw a beautiful pass to Josh Huff and 36 yards later the Ducks were up by 10. Again.

The Ducks and Trojans have locked helmets in a shootout, a roller coaster ride of each team taking the ball and seeing the opposing defense put up nothing resembling a fight.