USC AT OREGON 8PM EST ABC TV (CURRENT BETPHOENIX.COM LINE USC -3 TOTAL 48)

It's going be a dandy in the "land of perpetual rain" on Saturday and he winner of this game likely will win the Pac 10 outright. Oregon has been playing lights out football since their opening game defeat to Boise State and in all honesty has been playing better overall than the Trojans. USC comes into this game with a little bit of swagger , but also with a Freshman QB in Matt Barkley that at times has looked like a world beater ,but at others has looked like the true Freshman he is.

This game will likely come down to defense and to be brutally honest the much vaunted Trojan D has not been as impressive over the last month as Oregon's . Autzen stadium is also one of the toughest places to play and will definitely aid the Oregon defense. The true key in this match up in USC QB Matt Barkley Vs the absurdly fast and talented D Line of the Ducks. If they can get to Barkley and cause him into bad decisions early this could be a long day for the Trojans.

I love what Oregon coach Chip Kelly has done taking over for the Beaver state legend Mike Bellotti in an almost seem less transfer of power and even though Oregon might have the ugliest uniforms in sports history at times , they really are and excellent football program with an impressively devoted fan base. This is the biggest game of Kelly's brief tenure thus far and it coming at home could not be luckier for him and the Ducks.

PREDICTION- OREGON 28 USC 24 Look for Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli to have a big day against an overrated Trojan secondary and Ducks RB LaMichael James to continue his torrid pace of over 150 yards in three of his last five games. Something just tells me that this is going to be a very tough day for Trojan QB Matt Barkley and that his early gambles will lead to turnovers and he will be chasing the dragon for the better part of the game.

4 out of 5 goblins on the Ducks

Happy Halloween to one and all. Take your kids out to get some candy, enjoy some great football, and of course don't forget to tip your bartenders.

Dan The Man Leach is a Taurus, sharp dresser, hopeless romantic, and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it