Injuries won't matter if the Ducks accomplish two things

Two-score favorites don't lose unless they help their opponent. As long as Oregon remains focused and takes care of the football, they'll take care of business in Autzen Stadium today.

The numbers dictate that Oregon needs to do two things to win:

1. Get pressure on Jayden Maiava

2. Run the football

Maiava's effectiveness drops precipitously under pressure. Ted Leroux of "That Show Out West" breaks it down:

With time to throw and let his superb outside receivers Makai Lemon and Jakobi Lane time to get open, Maiava is Tom Brady, carving up a defense. In a muddy pocket, he's Jamarcus Russell, erratic, impulsive and throwing the ball up for grabs.

He's prone to mistakes under pressure. Any quarterback is, but the splits for the 6-4 junior transfer from UNLV are stark. They blare like the trumpets in another rendition of "Conquest." Harass Maiava, pierce his protection, and the Trojan offense throws a rod.

The Trojans' Achilles heel remains inability to stop the run

Their defense is vulnerable to the run, giving up 306 to Notre Dame, 188 to Nebraska, 183 to Iowa, 171 in a loss at Illinois. Oregon counters with the Big Ten's best run offense, a three-headed monster averaging 6.3 yards a carry behind Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu, Emmanuel Pregnon and a tough, consistent offensive line.