USC football: 3 bold predictions vs. Oregon in Week 11

The game that was once prophesied to be a top-10 matchup has petered out in the last few weeks. USC football has lost three of its last four and barely survived other close tests, including their triple-overtime thriller against Arizona and 50-49 barn-burner at Cal. USC’s most recent loss came at the hands of Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies, the same squad that handed Oregon its only loss of the year.

After the Trojans’ loss, head coach Lincoln Riley announced the Trojans would part ways with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Defensive line coach Shaun Nua and linebackers coach Brian Odom will take over co-defensive coordinator responsibilities for the last two games of the regular season and any bowl appearance.

Here are three bold predictions for the Trojans’ trip to Eugene.

3. The Oregon defense will prove to be too much for Caleb Williams

The Ducks sport one of the best run defenses in the country and USC’s pass-heavy offense does not lend itself to Dan Lanning and Co.’s strengths. However, in the loud primetime Autzen Stadium environment, the pressure will be too much to bear for the 2022 Heisman winner.

Caleb Williams will get the same treatment as Shedeur Sanders from the Oregon pass rush, getting dropped five-plus times.

2. USC’s defense will shine under new off-field leadership

It can’t get much worse for the USC defensive unit, suffering more than 40 points to five of their last six opponents (they held Utah 34 and lost), and the low light in that span was a 49-point performance by a Cal offense that has struggled all season.

A change of scenery at the top will prove beneficial for the Trojans.

1. Bo Nix will emerge as the Heisman favorite

Bo Nix has all the boxes checked for a Heisman winner; he has the counting stats, game averages, team success, and flashy plays. His résumé is slightly missing the success against the most elite teams. Nix’s Oregon is 2-1 against AP Top 25 teams.

While Oregon dismantled Colorado and Utah in their ranked matchups, the team stumbled on this biggest stage against Washington. A strong performance against USC, a team with success and star power, will propel the Auburn transfer to the top of the Heisman race.

USC’s offense is as good as it comes in college football, however, the combination of Oregon’s strong defense and offense can go toe-to-toe the Trojans will push the Ducks to victory at home and stay in the hunt for the CFP.