Autzen Zoo
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Oregon finds big plays in win vs USC Trojans

By Justin Phillips

Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) picks up a first down on a pass play against USC Trojans cornerback Domani Jackson (1) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) picks up a first down on a pass play against USC Trojans cornerback Domani Jackson (1) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oregon Football was able to get off to a quick start on their first two possessions, building a lead they would not give up in a 36-27 win over the USC Trojans. The win keeps Oregon on pace for a rematch with the Washington Huskies in the Pac-12 Championship Game next month.

Quarterback Bo Nix continued to show his experience and consistency when the Ducks offense had the ball. Unlike last week vs Cal where the first play of the game was an interception, the Ducks first two possessions had a combined five plays where Nix was 2 for 2 on the early part of the game and had two touchdowns. One to Tez Johnson, the other to Troy Franklin.

Nix added to his Heisman Trophy hopes passing for a career high 412 yards vs USC with some long pass plays for scores and a dart across the middle to Tight End Tyler Ferguson for a third score. On the day, Nix was credited with four touchdowns and a completion percentage over 70 percent.

On the other side of the ball, the Oregon defense chased reigning Heisman Trophy QB Caleb Williams for the entire game. Their first possession ended with a three and out after a sack from Brandon Dorlus. The Ducks had three sacks vs USC to go with five quarterback hurries. Williams did not get forced into throwing an interception but completed just 56 percent of his passes in the loss.

For the Oregon defense, it was as complete a performance in the first half as their game on the road at Utah a few weeks ago. While the Trojans did attempt to comeback late in the game, it was clear that the Ducks were not going to give the game away.

One glaring spot for Oregon once again is penalties. While it may be seen by some as impressive that the Ducks won by nine points, Dan Lanning is likely losing sleep once again for 120 yards. There may be games ahead where the Ducks could find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. I am not concerned as Lanning knows what he needs to do to clean up the penalty issue.

The Ducks have two games remaining in the regular season. They travel to Arizona State on Saturday for a 1pm kickoff on FOX and then return home to host Oregon State to close out the season on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend for a 5:30 pm kickoff, also on FOX.

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