Oregon Ducks Football: Bad Defense or USC Displaying Great Offense?

Southern California gave up 730 total yards against Oregon last Saturday, the most yards given up in school history. But the offense was able to keep them in the game throughout with 615 total yards of their own – 484 of them were gained in the air. What contributed to all those passing yards?

Marqise Lee had 157 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches in a 62-51 loss to Oregon. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Is this a sign of problems to come if the Ducks couldn’t stop them or is this because of all the talent that USC has on their offensive end?

Ricky: USC is their own worst enemy. In the game against Arizona, the Trojans shot themselves in the foot on offense, but against Oregon they really did not. The offense came out against the Ducks with a certain “swagger” to them. They played well, but the game was a race between the offenses. Oregon’s offense won the race with their speed and that’s why Oregon won the game.

Mike: If you followed me live tweeting for the blog towards the end of the game I had a conversation about the defense with a USC fan. They contended the Ducks will have trouble against other teams but I maintain that Oregon likely won’t see an offense like Southern Cal unless they meet again in the conference title game. The Trojans have solid WR’s, RB and a first round draft pick and usually put up yards win or lose.

Brian: Some stats were padded late in the game after the Ducks went up 62-45 with about two minutes left; especially everything gained after the ball was intercepted for the third time by Oregon and it was negated by an awful pass interference call. No offense will be nearly as good as USC’s until they play Oregon State. If Cody Vaz continues to improve and becomes more efficient, they will be extremely dangerous with the fifth-best rushing defense in the nation.

Other roundtable topics this week: Kenjon Barner’s Heisman hopes, what to watch out for against California, and picking the national championship teams.

The Autzen Zoo staff includes lead editor Brian Spaen along with staff writers Mike Vamosi, Raymond Mencke, Jr., Ricky Widmer, and contributor Joe Soriano.