USC will determine playoff future with crucial road test at Oregon

The USC Trojans are preparing for a hostile road test, traveling north to face the No. 7 Oregon Ducks, who aim to end USC’s playoff dreams for good. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET).

When I sat down to make this week’s prediction, something I’ve done routinely all season, it carried a weight the others didn’t. USC is suddenly on the verge of achieving what many dismissed months ago which is a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff. For Trojans fans, who haven’t seen their team reach the playoff since it began in 2014, the significance isn’t lost. Two games remain. And standing directly in USC’s path is a top-15 clash with Oregon, the most pivotal matchup of the season.

This game always felt destined to serve as USC’s final regular-season test, a true final exam. And credit is deserved for how the Trojans reached this point. The defense could have folded early in the year when it was getting shredded through the air, but it didn’t. The offense could have abandoned the run after losing Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders, but it didn’t.

The coaching staff could have operated under the assumption that meaningful change in the win column was still a year away, but it didn’t. Instead, the Trojans have embraced a true Fight On spirit, lifting themselves into a chance to seize a culture-changing moment.

The Prediction

Oregon is an elite football team with top-tier talent across the field. I’ve picked USC in many games this season because the Trojans often hold a clear talent advantage. This is not one of those weeks. USC is stepping into a matchup against an opponent eager to spoil their season and stop them short of a playoff berth.

The winner will earn bragging rights, and the recruiting implications for both programs are almost immeasurable. Still, when Oregon and USC meet, records and narratives tend to fade. This has the makings of a true classic with two heavyweight programs trading hard punches, each giving its absolute best in a fight that could define their seasons.

It’s important to remember that USC entered the season widely projected to finish 9–3 or 8–4, with 10–2 considered their absolute ceiling. With that context in mind, I believe the Trojans will ultimately fall just short against Oregon this weekend. I expect a tight matchup where USC may even hold a late lead but their 2–2 road record has been a lingering issue. In the end, I think home-field advantage will make the difference, and the Ducks will secure their place in the College Football Playoff.

USC 28, Oregon 34