Since joining the Big Ten, the Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans have taken divergent paths. Under Dan Lanning, the Ducks have soared, clinching the Big Ten Championship and making consecutive College Football Playoff appearances with an impressive 26-3 record, including a 17-1 mark in conference play. Meanwhile, Lincoln Riley's Trojans are still finding their rhythm, yet to secure a Playoff berth.
This season marks the first on-field clash between these two programs since their conference switch. Despite Oregon's dominance, it's the Trojans who have been stirring the pot with their off-field antics.
USC recently made waves by flipping offensive line recruit Drew Fielder from Oregon, taking a playful jab at their former Pac-12 rivals in the process. The Trojans' social media post added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.
When asked about USC's antics, Dan Lanning remained unfazed, stating, "No reaction. Much more focused on winning in the fall." His response underscores a focus on the bigger picture - the upcoming season.
Despite losing the recruiting battle, Oregon enters the season as a national powerhouse, arguably the best or second-best team in the country. Lanning's leadership has transformed the Ducks into a formidable force in the Big Ten.
In contrast, USC is projected to be a top 10-15 team, contingent on their defensive performance. While the Trojans have the talent to compete in every game, their roster doesn't quite match up to Oregon's powerhouse lineup.
Providing extra motivation to a team like Oregon might not be the wisest move. Dan Lanning, with a chip on his shoulder, is the last coach opponents would want to provoke. This season's showdown promises to be a must-watch, with Oregon looking to assert their dominance and USC aiming to prove they belong among the elite.