The Oregon football program looks like a major contender for the national championship, as it boasts a strong offense with both passing and rushing capabilities.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s stats in last weekend’s victory over USC included 257 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He has become an elite quarterback. 

To complement Moore, Oregon’s primary running back, Noah Whittington, has had an excellent season. On Saturday, he had 19 carries for 104 yards, for an average of 5.5 yards per carry, and one touchdown. 

In Oregon’s 42-27 defeat of the USC Trojans, the Ducks’ defense was lacking, but their offense shone. 

Wide receiver Kenyon Sadiq caught six passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns, and Malik Benson added 67 yards on four receptions and a kick return touchdown. 

The defense, even though they did not play their best game, still ended up with two interceptions. Jadon Canady and Ify Obidegwu came down with those interceptions at cornerback.

Southern California exposed the Oregon safeties as their top receivers, Tanook Hines and Ja’Kobi Lane, caught a total of 12 receptions for 249 yards combined. Makai Lemon added two receiving touchdowns to those stats. 

This USC loss eliminates them from playoff contention, and Oregon’s win moved them into the seventh-ranked spot. This is a comfortable spot to be in for the Ducks as they are set to make the playoffs.

If Oregon can keep its offense this aggressive for the rest of the season, then the Ducks will be in the perfect spot for playoff contention. 

After last year’s disappointing loss against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, a national championship win this year would make up for that heartbreaking finale for Oregon fans.