First drives reveal a big edge for the Ducks in playoff qualifier

USC and Oregon traded touchdowns on their first possessions, but the way Oregon moved the ball suggested what could be a big edge for the Ducks.

On 24 and 20-yard receiving plays by Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan, plus the 11-yard touchdown run by Jordon Davison, the Trojans missed tackles and lunged for arm tackles.

Davison weaved through the squishy middle of the USC defense, evading all three linebackers and a safety on the way to the end zone.

The outlook got better when Matayo Uiagalelei got pressure on Jayden Maiava on third and 8 to force a wild pass and a three and out, setting the offense up on the 33 after a Trojan penalty on punt coverage.

In a close game between two ranked teams, that physicality and surer tackling could be a deciding difference, particularly after breaking through for the first defensive stop of the game. So far, the Ducks are doing a better job of making the first man miss.

It helped up too when the Ducks picked up 15 on 3rd and 3 with a crossing route to Jamari Johnson.