The Oregon Ducks, seeded at No. 7 in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings, secured a much-needed victory over the No. 15 USC Trojans, bolstering their resume and making a case for moving up in the rankings.
It was an all-around effort, with all three phases contributing and playing complimentary football. As what happens when facing fellow elite opponents, not everything was perfect. The Ducks' secondary certainly wasn't, as they gave up a season-high in passing yards allowed. But other units picked up the slack, with the offense putting up 35 points and over 400 yards of total offense while the special teams added another touchdown, giving Oregon a lead that they never relinquished.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn all, the efforts culminated in a 42-27 win.
As part of our postgame coverage, we broke down each position group and provided them with an overall grade. Let's get into it, beginning with the quarterback position.
Quarterbacks
Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesGrade: B
Though Dante Moore threw an interception early in the second half, he did more than enough to lead the offense to a victory. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns, both to tight end Kenyon Sadiq. His second one, coming late in the third quarter, was a dart up the seam, perfectly putting it on Sadiq for a score that pushed the Ducks' lead to double digits. What was missing was the spectacular throws — and catches — that were made last week against Minnesota. But that can't be held against Moore, as Oregon didn't need that from him.
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Oregon running back Noah Whittington finds the end zone for a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: B
Similar to Moore, the running back unit did their job on Saturday. Noah Whittington led the way, carrying the ball 19 times for 104 yards and a touchdown while Jordon Davison had 50 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts. Overall, they averaged just 4.4 yards per carry, markedly lower than their 6.1 yards per carry on the season. But at the end of the day, 179 rush yards is going to be enough to win a lot of football games.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hurdles over USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: B+
For the second straight straight week, Sadiq was phenomenal. He led the team in catches (six), receiving yards (72) and caught both of Moore's touchdowns. He also had another of his patented hurdles, skying above a would-be Trojans tackler. Without wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. in the lineup, Malik Benson and Jeremiah McClellan stepped up for the second straight week, combining for seven catches and 120 yards. It's hard to argue with that sort of production from a pair of reserves, giving this group a plus.
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Oregon running back Noah Whittington, center, celebrates a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: A
Considering center Iapani Laloulu missed a majority of the game after suffering an ankle injury and left tackle Isaiah World didn't see his normal snap count due to injury as well, Oregon's offensive line had a terrific day. For the most part, they kept Moore clean in the pocket and allowed for a relatively successful day on the ground. Props to Charlie Pickard and Fox Crader for stepping up and filling big shoes in a critical game.
Defensive Line
Oregon outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei, right, forces a fumble from USC quarterback Jayden Maiava as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: B+
Though they struggled once again to actually sack the opposing quarterback, as Matayo Uiagalelei's strip sack was the lone takedown recorded, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava saw plenty of pressure. It forced him to speed up his process, resulting in two Oregon interceptions. But one of the most important aspect of the game was that the Ducks' front dominated the line of scrimmage against the run, holding the Trojans to just 1.9 yards per carry. It shoehorned USC largely into just a passing team. It's always a good day for the defensive line when that's the case.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLinebackers
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher, center, celebrates a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: B+
Bryce Boettcher led this unit with one of the best days of his career. He totaled 13 tackles and a tackle for loss and was a constant presence around the football. He has a history of playing his best when the lights are the brightest, and he did exactly that against USC. Oh, and he also scored a touchdown while being escorted by fellow defenders A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. How can you not love that?
Secondary
Oregon defensive back Ify Obidegwu intercepts a pass intended for USC tight end Walker Lyons as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Grade: C+
Man. What an odd day for the Ducks' pass defense. They allowed a season-high 330 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. They committed a handful of pass interferences, with true freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. being especially handsy. They were exploited when the ball was in the air in man coverage situations, as they either committed a penalty or allowed a contested catch. But they also intercepted two passes, one of which the Ducks' offense scored on the ensuing possession. I feel like a "C" grade is worthy here, but I'll add a plus because the first interception, by cornerback Ify Obidegwu, was a turning point in the game.
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Oregon’s Malik Benson, right, breaks the Southern California coverage on a punt return on his way to a first-half touchdown Nov. 22, 2025.Grade: A
With an 85-yard punt return by Benson that put the Ducks in the lead that they never gave up, I can't not give this unit anything other than an "A." Standout special teams day from top to bottom, as all coverage units and the kicking and punting game were on point.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Week 13 report card for Oregon Ducks features a number of high grades
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