USC vs. Oregon odds: Trojans home underdogs to No. 7 Ducks

Oddsmakers have made Oregon a slight favorite over USC at the Coliseum this week as both teams look to solidify their Pac-12 standing.

For the second time this season, USC will welcome a Top 10 opponent to the Coliseum. And for the second time this season, the Trojans will look to topple them.

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks will arrive for this Saturday’s Pac-12 clash as an 4.5-point favorite, according to Action Network’s consensus line.

CHECK OUT: Trojans escape Colorado with late comeback

USC was a 3.5-point underdog when they bested Utah on a Friday night a month ago. That victory gave the Trojans’ pole position in their pursuit of the Pac-12 South title, despite a subsequent loss to Washington. So long as USC keeps winning, they will hold the advantage with a key tie breaker over the Utes.

That’s how the Ducks will have their own chance to spoil the party for USC, even as the Trojans look to dash their Northern foes’ playoff hopes.

Oregon is 7-1 and riding a seven-game win streak since their opening weekend loss to No. 11 Auburn. In the past two weeks, they have survive upset bids at Washington and against Washington State. The Cougars pushed the Ducks to the very end, with Oregon winning on a last-second field goal.

LISTEN: Reacting to a frustrating win over Colorado

The Trojans are hoping those tight wins are a sign the Ducks are vulnerable.

USC isn’t in the strongest state, coming off a nervy win over Colorado. On the one hand, the 10-point favorites trailed by 10 for most of the game. On the other hand, the Trojans managed to erase said deficit and grab a tough road win despite numerous injuries coming in.

Moreover, even though that was USC’s first road win of the season, the Trojans have been undefeated at home, including blowout wins over Stanford and Arizona along with the impressive upset of Utah.

Hopes are high for a healthier squad to take the field in the coming week than the one that faced Colorado. Maybe that will be enough for the Trojans to take another step towards the Pac-12 title game.