Pac-12 division races heating up 2 weeks from title game

Oregon’s defense is tied with South Alabama, Fresno State and UCF – non-Power Five teams that are a combined 8-22 – for 113th in scoring defense (37.1 ppg) and ranks 118th in total defense (491.3 ypg).

Nevertheless, USC controlled the college football spotlight. “We ran outside once when they were blitzing inside and we had a long run”. You’ve got to win that battle.

Reign of Troy Radio returns with a new mini-podcast format called “lunchcasts” talking about the latest USC football news. Too many other teams will be deserving over the Spartans, even within the Big Ten. The program won seven Pac-10 titles, appeared in consecutive BCS Championship games, was recognized as the AP National Champion in 2003 and 2004 and had three Heisman Trophy winners. Lose, and get ready for Vegas.

Prediction: After last weekend, it’s becoming apparent that no team wants to win the Pac-12, but then again, it’s been the theme of this college football season. Robinson’s likely absence would end UO’s season-high of starting the same secondary in three straight games.

Defensively, it’s the same story – lots of notable talent, per recruiting and player hype machines, although the Trojans have suffered a few linebacker injuries.

Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez had a lot to say about his plans for this week’s preparations in Monday’s press conference, “We’ll talk about it with our players all week, we will have things on the television all week about the past rivalry games”.

The Trojans have always been ridiculously talented. What they have missed since Pete Carroll slid out the backdoor, except for a stretch with Ed Orgeron (another interim coach), was the ability to not get in their own way.

For the last four weeks, we’ve seen what the Trojans can be – a dynamic, suffocating squad. Which team will show up at Autzen Stadium is anyone’s guess.

The pair grew up together in Pasadena and played at Alemany High School in Mission Hills. Offensively, he hasn’t done much – but, also like Nelson, he’s simply a threat if he walks onto the field.

Next up: A visit from the Men of Troy who were also the benefactors of an upset when Utah went down against Arizona. Jackson is the only player to score offensively and defensively. California is catching Stanford at the flawless time because the Cardinal will now be playing this game with a hangover after last week’s heartbreaking loss. Of these two, whoever makes the biggest plays will give their team a huge leg-up.

Arrion Springs keep it up? Case in point: in their early season loss at MI State, OR cornerback Arrion Springs tallied 13 tackles, yet often times was out of position, leading to heartbreaking third-down conversions for the Spartans. “We’re just going to have to be disciplined and tackle when he does decide to run”. Still, they are susceptible to the run, allowing at least 4.3 yards per rush in every Pac-12 game this season but one (against Colorado). It’s just not the Pac-12’s year, and I’m fine with that.

If UCLA wins at Utah on Saturday, and the Trojans defeat the Bruins next week at the Coliseum, USC would advance because it would have victories over Utah and UCLA. Kessler, however, said he doesn’t let the crowd phase him. As a result, there’s still hope that one of the teams can have a shot at landing a spot in the final four. Now, it’s time to give them the home-field advantage they need and deserve.

OR quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has passed for 16 touchdowns, with five interceptions.

Oregon’s spread offense can challenge the discipline of even the most experienced defender through its use of motion and formations.

It’s been a while since OR has been removed from the nation’s conscious but OR has a chance to jump right back in conversations if they continue to play like they did last week.