Oregon secured a 41-27 victory over USC on Saturday night, September 26, 2026, marking the program’s fifth consecutive win in the series. The Ducks’ offense thrived under Dylan Raiola and Dierre Hill Jr. following an injury to quarterback Dante Moore in the first half.
Oregon Extends Dominance Over USC in Week 4 Showdown
The rivalry renewal delivered high-scoring theater on Saturday night, September 26, 2026. Dylan Raiola and Dierre Hill Jr. stepped up to steer the offense past the Trojans en route to a 41-27 final score. With the victory, the Ducks won their fifth straight game in the series.
The matchup carried heavy expectations as a high-stakes rivalry clash. Leading up to kickoff, Covers analysts pointed out that Oregon held a commanding historical edge in the matchup.
“Oregon has won six of its last seven matchups against USC, including four straight. Two of those wins came against Lincoln Riley, with his program allowing 78 points across those losses. His defense remains a major issue, and it’s the biggest reason I like Oregon at -3.5 or better.”
Rob Paul, Covers
Defensive Struggles and Offensive Fireworks Shape the Game
Pre-game projections from Covers identified USC’s defensive vulnerabilities as a primary storyline. Entering the week, the Trojans’ defense ranked 90th in EPA per pass, 107th in EPA per rush, and recorded the fourth-worst havoc rate in the Big Ten at 13.5 percent through four games. Those persistent issues manifested again as the Ducks capitalized on the home team’s structural gaps.
USC attempted to offset its defensive shortcomings with an explosive offensive attack. Quarterback Jayden Maiava ranked inside the Top 10 nationally in QBR at 87.5, helping power an offense sitting in the Top 10 for net adjusted EPA per play and an offensive success rate of 66.2 percent according to data compiled by Covers. That high-powered unit fought to keep pace, but the defensive burden proved too steep.
Key Player Performances and Statistical Standouts
On the ground, USC relied heavily on running back King Miller, who handled a steady workload. Covers noted that Miller averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 64 attempts across his first four games of the 2026 season, carrying the ball at least 15 times in every contest. In the passing game, Zacharyus Williams established himself as a dangerous deep threat, collecting four of his ten targets 10 yards or more downfield per pre-game analysis.
For Oregon, the receiving corps featured standout play from Dakorien Moore. Analysts highlighted Moore as a deep threat who recorded a catch of 36 yards or longer in three consecutive games this season, highlighted by a 62-yard touchdown grab against Boise State in Week 1.
