2008 Woodie Awards
Games of the Week
Justin Briley
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Big Red Sports
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By Sam Summers
Big Red Sports Editor
No one thought this match-up would have the implications that this weekend's Pac10 marquee game carries. Both the UO and USC are 6-1, both are top 15 teams and both are coming off of games in which they played extremely well. Oregon's dismantling of Washington in the fourth quarter is the kind of play that helps teams go on a huge winning streak. The USC Trojan's annihilation of Notre Dame was just what they needed to wake up after several weeks of lethargic play.
USC's play this year has been uninspired, to say the least. In the three games prior to last week's destruction of Notre Dame, the Trojans had not scored more than 27 points. Before that, they were averaging 44 points per game. A close win over Washington and a loss to Stanford may be attributed to injuries, but the Trojans are supposed to have more depth than any other NCAA team. With starting quarterback John David Booty out due to a broken finger, Mark Sanchez, the highly touted back up, started against Arizona in week six. Despite Sanchez's rough start, the Trojans pulled it together. In the game against Notre Dame, Sanchez exploded with 235 yards and four touchdowns. With the return of several key players who have been injured, the Trojans will be ready to play in the visitor-oppressive atmosphere that is Autzen Stadium.
The Ducks are coming off their biggest win this season, with 465 yards rushing against Washington. The offense looks to be in good shape, despite the loss of third down running back Jeremiah Johnson to injury. Quarterback Dennis Dixon is in sync with his wide receivers and the offense shows no signs of slowing down. If the ducks can overcome their mediocre defense and continue to accumulate 564 offensive yards per game, they can beat anyone. This weekend's test against an enormously talented USC team will show the nation whether or not the Ducks are for real. •
By Bryce Summers
Big Red Sports Reporter
Big Red Sports Editor
No one thought this match-up would have the implications that this weekend's Pac10 marquee game carries. Both the UO and USC are 6-1, both are top 15 teams and both are coming off of games in which they played extremely well. Oregon's dismantling of Washington in the fourth quarter is the kind of play that helps teams go on a huge winning streak. The USC Trojan's annihilation of Notre Dame was just what they needed to wake up after several weeks of lethargic play.
USC's play this year has been uninspired, to say the least. In the three games prior to last week's destruction of Notre Dame, the Trojans had not scored more than 27 points. Before that, they were averaging 44 points per game. A close win over Washington and a loss to Stanford may be attributed to injuries, but the Trojans are supposed to have more depth than any other NCAA team. With starting quarterback John David Booty out due to a broken finger, Mark Sanchez, the highly touted back up, started against Arizona in week six. Despite Sanchez's rough start, the Trojans pulled it together. In the game against Notre Dame, Sanchez exploded with 235 yards and four touchdowns. With the return of several key players who have been injured, the Trojans will be ready to play in the visitor-oppressive atmosphere that is Autzen Stadium.
The Ducks are coming off their biggest win this season, with 465 yards rushing against Washington. The offense looks to be in good shape, despite the loss of third down running back Jeremiah Johnson to injury. Quarterback Dennis Dixon is in sync with his wide receivers and the offense shows no signs of slowing down. If the ducks can overcome their mediocre defense and continue to accumulate 564 offensive yards per game, they can beat anyone. This weekend's test against an enormously talented USC team will show the nation whether or not the Ducks are for real. •
By Bryce Summers
Big Red Sports Reporter
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