USC Predictions, Players of the Week
Monday, November 2, 10:30 a.m. PDT
With four regular season games to go, it’s rally time for the Duck Feed predictions. After a fairly steady roll in terms of accuracy, Fright Night proved too difficult to peg. To the picks…
1. The Ducks create at least two turnovers by USC quarterbacks.
Incorrect. True freshman starter, Autzen Stadium, Halloween, etc., etc. I bought into the hype that USC's Matt Barkley would struggle in his first game in the Pacific Northwest and underestimated the Trojans' offensive line. The pass protections was so good in the first half, the rookie could have made a sandwich, checked his e-mail, and then looked for someone to throw the ball to. When he did finally decide to pass, the Ducks took away most of his options, but he was poised enough to take what he could get and didn't commit a miscue until the final play of the game.
2. Jeff Maehl scores a touchdown.
Incorrect. No inside information here, just a straight hunch.
3. The Ducks add to their total for non-offensive touchdowns.
Incorrect. This turned out to be a low percentage pick since the Ducks did not force a turnover until time expired - not that they needed to with the offense churning out points at warp speed. That said, Kenjon Barner's 77-yard kickoff return would have gone for more and finished in the end zone against a lesser squad.
4. UO completes its longest pass of the season.
Incorrect. Wow, 0-for-4. Jeremiah Masoli is really starting to fire on all cylinders and he was due to bomb one down field. Still is.
5. Oregon deals USC its biggest loss under head coach Pete Carroll.
Correct. And the shutout is avoided. I'm not normally one to call blowouts, but there has just been a certain vibe in the air the past two weeks and a feeling that there is nothing this particular group can't accomplish. Considering USC's biggest loss since 2001 was 11 points, it didn't seem completely outlandish.
Weekly mark: 1-4 (.200) • Season mark: 19-21 (.475)
OREGON PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
The game has been played, the film has been studied, and the Oregon coaching staff has determined the team's top performers for Week 8. Following is a list of last week's game ball winners.
Offense: Bo Thran
Defense: Eddie Pleasant
Special Teams: Morgan Flint
Offensive Scout: Everett Benyard
Defensive Scout: Blake Thompson
Special Teams Scout: Jennings Stewart
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