When the final whistle blew at Autzen Stadium on Friday, November 22, 2025, the Oregon Ducks didn’t just beat the USC Trojans—they buried their playoff hopes under a avalanche of big plays, special teams brilliance, and relentless execution. The 42-27 victory wasn’t just another win in the long-standing rivalry; it was a statement. For Oregon, it kept alive a sliver of a path to the College Football Playoff. For USC, it was the final nail in a season that once promised more.
The Turning Point: A Punt Return That Changed Everything
Midway through the second quarter, with the game tied at 14, Oregon’s punt returner Malik Benson caught a routine 15-yard punt from USC’s Sam Johnson—and turned it into an 85-yard touchdown. It wasn’t just a big play. It was a psychological wrecking ball. The crowd at Eugene erupted. USC’s offense, already rattled by Oregon’s defensive pressure, froze. The Ducks never trailed again.Dante Moore and the Offense That Never Blinked
Redshirt sophomore Dante Moore didn’t just manage the game—he owned it. Completing 22 of 30 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns, Moore was calm under pressure, especially on third downs. His 28-yard strike to wide receiver Sadiq late in the third quarter was a thing of beauty: a high, floaty throw into the end zone, perfectly placed where only Sadiq could catch it. The receiver finished with six catches, 72 yards, and two scores. But Moore’s poise wasn’t just about stats. It was about timing. When USC cut the lead to 28-21, Moore answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 11-yard touchdown run by Jordon Davison.Noah Whittington: The Closer
With 5:30 left and USC driving, Noah Whittington took a handoff, burst through the line, and rumbled 9 yards into the end zone. That wasn’t just a touchdown. It was a coffin nail. The USC defense, exhausted from chasing Oregon’s balanced attack all night, had nothing left. Whittington finished with 104 yards on 18 carries, and his late score effectively ended any lingering Trojan hopes. He wasn’t the flashiest back on the roster—but he was the most reliable when it mattered most.
USC’s Self-Inflicted Wounds
The Trojans didn’t lose because Oregon was perfect. They lost because they were sloppy. Kicker Ryon Sayeri kicked the opening kickoff out of bounds, giving Oregon the ball at their own 35. Later, a holding penalty on a punt return gave Oregon a fresh set of downs at midfield. Two drives later, Oregon scored. Those weren’t just mistakes—they were momentum killers. And when USC finally got within eight points after a late touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Maiva to Lake McRee, Oregon responded with Whittington’s touchdown. The Trojans’ special teams were a disaster. Their offensive line couldn’t protect Maiva. And their defense? Outcoached, outplayed, and out of answers.Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
The win improved Oregon’s record to 9-2 and kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive—barely. According to Hunter Yurachek, chair of the playoff selection committee, Oregon’s strength lies in their depth: "They rank in the top 10 of most of the statistical categories that we use, in comparison to other teams." That’s not fluff. Oregon is top-10 in scoring offense, total defense, and turnover margin. They’re not just winning—they’re dominating in measurable ways. But here’s the catch: to reach the Big Ten Championship Game, Oregon must win at Washington next week—and hope Michigan beats Ohio State. That’s a lot to ask. Michigan is a powerhouse. Ohio State is hungry. But Oregon’s players aren’t looking that far ahead. "We control what we can," said Moore after the game. "We win next week. Everything else takes care of itself."
The Streak Lives On
USC’s winless streak in Eugene now stretches to 14 years. Since 2011, the Trojans have lost four straight here. Each loss feels more painful than the last. This one? It wasn’t just about the score. It was about the way Oregon played—confident, physical, disciplined. USC looked like a team that had forgotten how to win big games on the road. Lane Kiffin’s name floated in post-game chatter again, but this loss won’t help his case. The real question: Can USC recover before the bowl season?For Oregon, the journey continues. The Ducks aren’t the most talked-about team in the country. But they’re the one that keeps showing up when it counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect USC’s College Football Playoff chances?
USC’s 8-3 record is no longer enough to qualify for the College Football Playoff. With this loss, their path is mathematically closed. Even a win in their final game against UCLA won’t matter—Oregon’s victory over them, combined with the Ducks’ higher ranking and better conference record, eliminates USC from contention. The Trojans will likely land in the Holiday Bowl or the Las Vegas Bowl.
What does Oregon need to make the College Football Playoff?
Oregon must win at Washington next week and hope that either Michigan beats Ohio State or Alabama loses to LSU. Even then, they’ll likely be the lowest-ranked 10-2 team in the field. Their top-10 rankings in offense and defense help, but their strength of schedule remains a concern. The committee will weigh their win over USC heavily—but they’ll also scrutinize their losses to Washington State and Arizona State.
Why is Malik Benson’s punt return so significant?
Benson’s 85-yard return wasn’t just a highlight—it shifted momentum permanently. USC had just taken a 7-0 lead, and Oregon’s offense was struggling. The return gave Oregon a 21-14 lead and completely changed the energy in Autzen Stadium. It was Oregon’s first punt return TD of the season, and the longest since 2019. That kind of play doesn’t just score points—it breaks a team’s spirit.
How does this win impact Oregon’s Big Ten Championship hopes?
Oregon is now in the driver’s seat for the Big Ten Championship Game—if they win at Washington. But they also need Michigan to beat Ohio State on December 7. If Michigan loses, Oregon will be eliminated regardless of their record. The Ducks are 7-1 in the Big Ten, tied with Michigan and Ohio State. Tiebreakers favor Oregon, but only if they win out and Michigan stumbles.
What’s next for Dante Moore?
Moore’s performance against USC solidified him as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He’s now thrown for 2,817 yards and 24 touchdowns this season with just 5 interceptions. If he leads Oregon to the Big Ten Championship and they make the playoff, he’ll be a top-three finalist. NFL scouts are already watching closely—he’s projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 draft.
Is this win a sign Oregon is finally a national contender?
Yes, and no. Oregon beat a top-15 team decisively on the road last year and lost to Arizona State at home this year. They’re inconsistent. But this win proves they can dominate when they’re focused. With Moore, Whittington, and Benson all emerging as playmakers, and a defense that’s improved dramatically since Week 3, they’re no longer just a Pac-12 contender—they’re a team that can compete with anyone. The question isn’t if they can win big games anymore. It’s whether they can win them consistently.