For the first time since its 2001 game against UCLA, the Trojans are underdogs (currently +3) in a Pac-10 game today. However, SC won that 2001 game 27-0, and they won blowout victories against the last 3 teams who were favored against them: Auburn (Leinart’s first game), Oklahoma (national title game), and Michigan (2007 Rose Bowl). So perhaps Pete Carroll’s Trojans will feel a greater sense of motivation or they may simply feel disrespected, but fifth-ranked Oregon, who can see their own path to the BCS national title game opening up with a victory over SC, will be sufficiently motivated as well. Heisman candidates Jonathan Stewart and Dennis Dixon have yet to face a defense as powerful and as fast as USC’s, but the Trojans and their inexperienced QB Mark Sanchez, playing his first game in the unfriendy confines of the bandbox known as Autzen Stadium, will need to do everything they can to sustain drives and keep the Ducks’ offense on the sidelines.

RT Drew Radovich (sore back) participated in Friday’s walkthrough and is expected to start today. LT Sam Baker (hamstring) has felt better after his anti-inflammatory injection on Wednesday, and RG Chilo Rachal is recovered from his knee injury - both players will also start.

Statistics for both teams, and additional articles: TrojanUpdate’s Game Preview: USC-Oregon

USC focuses on decibels, ringing bells (LA Times)
Trojans finally have ducks in a row up front (LA Times)
USC is staring at point of no return (LA Daily News)
Stopping the Ducks (Orange County Register)
Trojans will see a familiar face (LA Daily News)
USC’s shadow looms large over Ducks (The Oregonian)
USC running game could be key to keeping Dixon & Co. off field (Press-Enterprise)
Point of No Return (Daily Trojan)