Read Loyal Homer’s argument and Bleacher Fan’s argument for which games they believe are the best of the upcoming weekend.
The best game of THIS weekend happens when #4 Southern Cal visits #10 Oregon in Eugene this Saturday night.
In the modern era of college football, where large scale stadium expansions are happening with increasing frequency, it is a combination of refreshing and surprising that Oregon’s Autzen Stadium is such a feared place to play. It is difficult to comprehend how a crowd of just 54,000 (small by today’s standards) – a crowd that includes some fans who actually valet park their bicycles – was listed as one of ESPN’s Top 10 Intimidating Stadiums.
The small but spirited stadium “welcomes” Southern Cal Saturday night with, hopefully, something less than a punch in the face.
Oregon, at times this season, appears to have as many personalities as it does jersey combinations. The team has improved after the opening season loss to Boise State on the road. The losing team’s personality appears to have been exchanged for a renewed, confident bunch led by a dynamic and talented Jeremiah Masoli under center. Masoli’s passing numbers are understated thus far in 2009 having thrown just five touchdowns against two interceptions. Fortunately Oregon is now a run first team with running back LaMichael James taking over for the displaced and suspended LaGarrette Blount. James has six touchdowns on the season and averages nearly seven yards per carry. Masoli does a healthy share of damage on the ground, too, with seven touchdowns.
Another strange personality trait Oregon has adopted this season is an uncharacteristically stout defense. Most of the prognosticators and predictors pay a great deal of attention to the offense of Oregon. But, it is the team’s defense this season that sets it apart from the other contenders in the PAC-10. While USC is usually atop the league in team defense, and the team is again this season, Oregon is a rarified second. And, Oregon actually leads the PAC-10 in pass defense thanks in large part to ten team interceptions – including two that were returned for scores.
But, that Southern Cal team is always tough. The team is well-coached and is fighting for a potential shot at the BCS national title game. Alabama and Florida will eliminate each other from contention, and Texas could lose this weekend to Oklahoma State. If USC wins, the team has a legitimate hold on a potential championship spot.
But, it is easy to get carried away when it comes to USC. Remember Mark Sanchez? Before he was an underwear model (and I think he is also the New York Jets quarterback), he was a wide-eyed sophomore quarterback at Southern Cal about to make his third start at Oregon. He threw two passes to the ugly green shirts and the Trojans lost the game 24-17.
A different year but similar circumstance exists now. Matt Barkley, the young but improving true freshman quarterback for the Trojans, has the opportunity to do what his very talented predecessors could not at his age and stage – beat Oregon on the road.
Southern Cal is capable of winning this game, but Oregon needs it. Oregon is a team still desperate to prove it belongs in the national conversation after a disappointing start to the season. USC is a team desperate to show it deserves an opportunity to play for the national title game. The matched talent and desperation makes USC-Oregon the best game of THIS weekend.
Posted by Sports Geek 
