Week 13 features a huge Big Ten matchup as No. 15 USC (8-2) travels to Eugene to take on No. 7 Oregon (9-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
With Oregon’s one loss being against No. 2 Indiana, they are still in the hunt for the College Football Playoff. It's likely, however, that the Ducks cannot afford another loss if they want a chance to be one of the final 12 as a wild card team.
Currently, USC is out of the playoffs, but this game gives them hope. They will likely need the committee’s help to make a move, and a win over a top 10 team like Oregon could help.
Below, we’ll give you our USC vs. Oregon prediction and Saturday CFB Picks for PrizePicks, including Dante Moore player projections to target.
USC vs. Oregon Prediction, Saturday CFB Picks
Here’s a closer look at our USC vs. Oregon prediction and breakdown for Saturday's Big Ten matchup. Use PrizePicks to make picks on player projections for CFB Week 13.
Oregon Ducks Preview vs. USC
Oregon recovered quickly from its 30-20 loss to Indiana on October 11th, winning their next four games. They’ve won through their offense, scoring more than 40 points in two games, but they've also relied on defense, including in an 18-16 win over Iowa.
Oregon QB Dante Moore regained his early-season momentum and has been one of the top QB in the nation in recent weeks. From Weeks 7-12, his 90.2 PFF passing grade and 74.4% completion rate are sixth, while his 9.2 yards per completion ranks 12th.
The recent offensive success is also thanks to RB Noah Whittington. The senior has caught lightning in a bottle by averaging 103 rushing yards over his last four games.
USC Trojans Preview vs. Oregon
If any team can make a dent in Oregon’s defense, it’s USC. The Trojans have proven all season to be one of the most explosive offenses in the country. They come into this game ranked eighth in points scored per game (38.2) and fifth in points per play (0.573).
It’s all thanks to the arm of USC QB Jayden Maiava, who is putting up some phenomenal numbers. His 2,868 passing yards lead the Big Ten and are 10th in the nation. He has big-play ability, as evidenced by his 9 completions of 50+ yards — the most in college football.
To win this game, it may be up to the USC offense. Their defense has not quite measured up, sitting 31st in PPG (21.7) and 36th in total YPG (344.1).
USC vs. Oregon Picks for PrizePicks
Here are the USC vs. Oregon picks to target in PrizePicks' real-money college football game, including QBs Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava.
Oregon QB Dante Moore Projection vs. USC: 228.5 Passing Yards
- Moore has thrown for more than 228 passing yards in two of his last four games. He ranks eighth in the Big Ten in passing yards with 2,190.
- USC ranks ninth in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (198.5).
- USC has only faced one Big Ten QB in the top 10 of the conference in passing yards: Illinois QB Luke Altmyer, who gave the Trojans their season-high allowance of 328 yards.
- The Trojans are 100th in average yards after the catch allowed (3.9).
- Moore has the fourth-best completion percentage in the FBS (72.8%).
- Southern California ranks 81st in opponents’ completion percentage (63.2%).
USC QB Jayden Maiava Projection vs. Oregon: 243.5 Passing Yards
- Maiava leads the Big Ten with 2,686 passing yards.
- The junior has faced four programs that are at the bottom of the conference in passing yards allowed per game.
- The former three-star recruit has faced two Big Ten foes that are the top four in passing yards allowed. That includes Nebraska, whom Maiava mustered a season-low 9 completions against with just 135 yards.
- Maiava’s numbers take a drastic dip when comparing to home and away. On the road, he drops from a 74.5% completion rate to 57.4% and 10.7 yards per completion to 8.2.
USC WR Makai Lemon Projection vs. Oregon: 31.5 Yards on Longest Reception
- Makai Lemon has a 30+ yard reception in three of his last five games.
- Those games were against tough pass defenses: Iowa, (third-fewest 30+ yard receptions with 7), Notre Dame, (fifth-fewest, 9), and Northwestern (sixth-fewest, 10).
- Just like Iowa, Oregon has only allowed 7 receptions of 30 yards or more.
- The Ducks have surrendered a 30+ yard reception in two of their last three games.
Make #15 USC vs. #7 Oregon Picks on PrizePicks
The College Football Playoff could be at stake for both USC and Oregon. The winner of this game might be able to argue for a spot in the final 12 teams if they can secure a win over a top-15 team.
Saturday’s Big Ten matchup is a perfect spot to make CFB picks on PrizePicks to win real money. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their weekly stat projections, and cash in if your picks are correct.
Check out the Playbook throughout the remainder of the CFB season for more analysis.
