USC vs. Oregon odds, props, predictions: Ducks favored big over Trojans in Pac-12 rivalry game

What does USC have left to play for after last week's loss to Washington? The answer is pride and continuing to build the strength of their program in Lincoln Riley's second year as coach. We know that the Ducks have a lot to play for as they are trying to win out to get a spot in the Pac-12 title game and a chance to get into the College Football Playoff.

That doesn't mean USC is just going to roll over. Riley fired his defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch, this week, so USC is not waiting until the offseason to try and make improvements. Coaching changes can also invigorate a team. 

Look at the Raiders in the NFL last week, winning their first game in weeks after interim coach Antonio Pierce took over. Even if the talent is not quite where it needs to be, could the Trojan defense get a boost with a new defensive play caller and focus in their last two regular-season games? 

Not only that, with a win USC could still find a way into the Pac-12 title game, but it would come down to tiebreakers. One thing is for sure, if Oregon wins they will take another step toward the Pac-12 title game and some planned revenge against Washington.

USC vs. Oregon live odds

USC betting news: Trojans haven't covered in past seven games

The Trojans season has gone differently than many expected. USC was one of the odds favorites to make the College Football Playoff and was supposed to be one of the Pac-12's top teams. Everything was going as planned after starting the season 6-0. The Trojans have lost three out of four games, with their only win being a one-point victory over California two weeks ago.

The Trojans were clearly overrated in the preseason, and it is easy to see when you look at their record against the spread this season. USC has only covered two out of 10 games and hasn't covered any of their last seven. The Trojans were only 2.5-point underdogs against Washington last week, and that was a ridiculous line considering how good Washington is and how terrible the USC defense has been. 

The Trojans put up a pretty good fight, and Caleb Williams had a solid game, but it is not fair for the USC offense to have to put up 50-plus points to win big games. Regardless of how well USC's offense plays this week, if the Trojan defense doesn't have serious improvements, there is no chance the Trojans cover, much less win.

Oregon betting news: Ducks looking to make a statement

The Ducks are having a great season, and Bo Nix has played so well that he finds himself in Heisman talks. The Oregon offense has been incredible and has ensured the Ducks can play with and potentially beat any opponent they face. The only misstep this season was a close loss to Washington. 

Outside of that lone game, the Ducks have dominated every opponent, winning every other game by at least two touchdowns. They are 6-1-1 against the spread, making the Ducks a great weekly bet. A two-touchdown plus spread against USC seems like a lot, but Oregon will score at will against the Trojans.

The Oregon offense has so many weapons for Nix to get the ball to. Troy Franklin leads the Ducks in receiving with 58 receptions, 946 yards and 10 touchdowns. The number two receiver, Tez Johnson, has 46 receptions, 599 yards and six touchdowns. 

The two running backs, Bucky Irving and Jordan James, are the most productive backfield pair in the country — the two account for 1,376 yards on the ground with 18 touchdowns. Plus, Irving is a solid receiving threat with 35 receptions and 286 yards.

It is not all offense, though; Oregon has a better defense than any USC has faced this season. Just ask Deion Sanders and Colorado, who Oregon held to six points. Washington and USC got into a shootout last weekend, but don't expect that to happen this week. Oregon's defense will not give up four-plus touchdowns like Washington did. 

USC vs. Oregon prop bets at FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel has great value odds for team props for Saturday's big game between USC and Oregon.

USC team props

• USC +14.5 and over 74.5 (+250)
• USC +14.5 and under 74.5 (+260)
• USC to win and over 74.5 (+1500)
• USC to win and under 74.5 (+1500)

Oregon team props

• Oregon -14.5 and over 74.5 (+290)
• Oregon -14.5 and under 74.5 (+230)
• Oregon to win and over 74.5 (+120)
• Oregon to win and under 74.5 (+100)

USC vs. Oregon prediction: Ducks get statement win and keep CFP hopes alive

Not only will Oregon win, but they will also win by 20-plus to cover the spread easily. Having lost a game already this season, Oregon not only needs to win, but they need to make statement wins while winning out to have a chance at the College Football Playoff. If it comes down to, say, Oregon and Washington for the last spot in the CFP after Oregon wins a close game in the Pac-12 Championship, what separates the two?

Games against teams like USC will be a common opponent, and if Oregon has a win by 20-plus and compared to Washington's 10-point win, that could add to Oregon's resume. Oregon knows this, so they will be looking to blow USC out and prove they are one of the best teams in the country.