GAME NOTES: For the first time in the 41-year history of Autzen Stadium, a top-10 matchup will take place, as the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks will play host to the ninth-ranked USC Trojans. The Ducks have rode the momentum of one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, to a 6-1 overall mark. Mike Bellotti's troops have just one blemish on their record, a 31-24 setback to California, but since then, the team has reeled off two straight lopsided wins, including last week's 55-34 victory over Washington. The Trojans also have just one loss this year, a 24-23 stunner against Stanford. The team has also posted two victories since and looked impressive last weekend in South Bend, blanking Notre Dame, 38-0. The Trojans are seeking their 750th win in program history this weekend. USC has a better winning percentage against Oregon than any other Pac-10 school (.698) and holds a 36-15-2 advantage all- time. The Trojans have won three straight meetings and the last two matchups in Eugene.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez got the nod last week over injured John David Booty, and was outstanding against the Irish, throwing four TD passes and leading the Trojans to their first shutout victory in South Bend since 1933. Sanchez is more than capable of shouldering the load again this week, if Booty is unable to go. This is an offense that is pretty well established regardless of who in under center. The team is averaging a hefty 34.6 ppg and getting it done on 434.7 yards of total offense. The balance is the key, with the ground game churning out 202.3 yards per game and the passing attack adding another 232.4. Tight end Fred Davis has emerged as one of the top relief valves in the nation this year and currently paces the team in receptions (34), receiving yards (538) and TDs (five). The ground game is led by a pair of capable backs in Chauncey Washington (4.4 ypc) and Stafon Johnson (7.9 ypc). The duo combine for 156 yards rushing per game and have teamed up for 10 of the team's 14 rushing scores to date.

The USC defense has taken a backseat to the offense over the last few years, but this season is different. The team is thriving on this side of the football in 2007, allowing just 16.6 ppg. The Trojans have shown equal disdain for the run (64.1 ypg) and the pass (188.0 ypg) and rank third nationally in total defense (252.1 ypg). It starts in the linebacking corps with standouts Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga. Rivers leads the team with 47 tackles and has two fumble recoveries to his credit. Maualuga is a close second in stops (43) and ranks third in sacks (three). Up front, opponents must gameplan for end Lawrence Jackson (four sacks) on the outside and Sedrick Ellis (team-high 7.0 TFLs, team-high 5.5 sacks) in the middle.

When all is said and done this weekend, the Trojan defense will have run the spectrum in terms of offensive firepower over the last seven days. After having an easy time with Notre Dame's pathetic unit, USC will now be faced with the prospect of halting an offense in Eugene that rivals any in the nation. The Webfoots get it done in every aspect of the game. The team ranks second nationally in scoring (46.6 ppg) and total offense (550.9 ypg) and place third in rushing with a mind-blowing 294.4 ypg. Tailback Jonathan Stewart has been outstanding, including a career-high 251 yards last week against the Huskies. With the big game, Stewart was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week. For the year, Stewart has set himself apart, averaging 7.2 yards per carry and 134.3 yards per game (sixth nationally). The team has another worthy Heisman candidate under center in the form of Dennis Dixon. The senior signal- caller is a duel threat, completing almost 70 percent of his passes, for 1,728 yards and 16 TDs, while ranking second on the team in rushing with 59.4 ypg and another seven scores. Downfield, wideout Jaison Williams is the top target, leading the team in receptions (31), receiving yards (505) and TDs (five).

The Oregon defense has had the luxury of giving up all the headlines to the offense. The numbers have been modest concerning the defense, with the team allowing 22.6 ppg on almost 400 yards of offense (396.3 ypg). The pass defense has been particularly generous (253.3 ypg), but a lot of that has to do with Oregon jumping out to big leads and opponents needing to play catch- up. The secondary highlights the play of this unit, with safeties Matthew Harper (66 tackles, two sacks, one INT) and Patrick Chung (60 tackles, two INTs). Junior end Nick Reed has been a force along the defensive front in 2007. Of his 29 total tackles, 13.5 have been behind the line of scrimmage, including 7.5 sacks.

The Trojans are still the team to beat in the Pac-10, regardless of the conference standings right now. The better offense resides in Eugene, while the better defense comes to town with USC. This is a huge opportunity for Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart to show the nation what they are made of. Behind the potent duo, Oregon will find a way to get the victory and in the process, all but end the reign of dominance for the Trojans in-conference.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Oregon 33, USC 30