Bold Predictions for No. 6 Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans

It should be a fun one on Saturday in Eugene.

While you're waiting for No. 6 Oregon to kickoff against the USC Trojans tonight, I've got some bold predictions for you.

I haven't done them very much before, but they introduce some fun talking points and could make today's game more entertaining for Duck fans.

Without further ado, here we go. 

1. Oregon Special teams touchdown

I've been hoping to see one of these basically all season. We almost got one with the blocked field goal return last week against Cal, put a penalty wiped it out. 

I think it'd be the most fun to see a kickoff return touchdown for the Ducks. I don't think they've had one since Mykael Wright had one against USC in 2019. 

2. Five sacks for Oregon

USC's offensive has gotten better after they shuffled some pieces around. But they haven't seen a defensive front as good as Oregon's. I'd say Notre Dame is the closest thing. 

I expect Caleb Williams to be airing it out a whole lot and trying to scramble, which should create plenty of opportunities. Washington had three sacks against USC last week and Oregon's defense is better.

3. Oregon scores on 70% of drives

The Ducks have been running up the score all season and a big reason for that is their efficiency. Even with USC's move at DC I don't think it'll be enough to slow this offense down. 

Will Stein has been a major asset since taking over for Kenny Dillingham and I think he wants to have some fun against USC.

4. Bucky Irving 200 rushing yards

Irving's season-high on the ground is 129 rushing yards against Washington State. With USC struggling to defend the run all year, it feels like a great opportunity for him to set a new mark. And he's running behind one of the best offensive lines in the country that probably isn't getting talked about enough.

5. Bo Nix completes 80% of his passes

Nix has completed 80% or more of his passes three times this year (PSU, Colorado, Stanford) and he didn't even play full games. 

I think Oregon wants to make a statement in this game and we could see him carve up a USC secondary that has talent, but hasn't faired well against elite quarterbacks. 

6. Oregon defense forces two turnovers

Oregon's defense has a lot of momentum going into this one after forcing three turnovers against Cal last week. USC may have one of the best offenses in the country, but Caleb Williams has a tendency to play with poor ball security--see his fumble last week against Washington.

Plus, Oregon's defensive backs have had a nose for the ball lately and would love a big game against some of the best offensive playmakers in the conference.

7. Pair of touchdowns for Terrance Ferguson

The tight ends have been great for Oregon this year, but Ferguson has been pretty quiet. He finished the 2022 season No. 2 on the team in receiving touchdowns and I feel like he's due for a big day, especially if USC tries to blanket Troy Frankin, which I think they'll try to do.

8. Gary Bryant Jr. finds the endzone

I'll admit I really expected Bryant to have a bigger role this year, but Tez Johnson has really solidified himself as the No. 2 option in Oregon's passing attack. With the former Trojans facing USC on Saturday, it feels like a great opportunity for him to have a day. 

Maybe he'll be involved with my first bold prediction of a special teams touchdown?

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