USC faces Oregon with late-down defense under scrutiny

What Happened No. 12 USC hosts Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 26, needing to clean up the late-down defense and special teams mistakes exposed in its 42-35 win at Rutgers on Sept. 19 while sorting out key injuries before the Ducks arrive.

Rutgers threw for 292 yards and converted six of 11 third downs and three of four fourth downs against the Trojans. Oregon brings quarterback Dante Moore to a USC defense that could be without or limited in the secondary and on the line.

The matchup puts USC's 4-0 start and early College Football Playoff path under pressure. The Trojans have lost both meetings with Oregon under Lincoln Riley and eight of the past 10 in the series.

Riley said Tuesday that the issue against Rutgers was not simply generating pressure.

“Great defenses find a way to get off the field on third and fourth down.”

Prophet Brown

“As a secondary, we've got to be a little bit tighter in those situations. We've got to make those competitive plays,” Riley said. “We have a good defensive line. We have a group that can rush the passer. We've got to make guys hold onto that ball, make our pass rush work and make those plays when we get to the point of attack.”

Why This One Matters USC has won its first four games, but Rutgers turned nine of 15 third- and fourth-down attempts into conversions in a one-score game. Oregon is 2-1, and a USC loss would both complicate the Trojans' CFP route and extend Riley's losing streak against the Ducks.

The special-teams warning carries over from both directions. Rutgers converted a fake fourth-and-21 punt for 44 yards on a drive that ended in a touchdown and cut USC's lead to three points before halftime. Last season's Oregon game also turned on special teams, Riley said.

“The special teams play last year (against Oregon) really turned the game. The one the other day did too,” Riley said. “In these big games, when you've got two really good teams going at it, it always feels like there's a couple of just really, really impactful special teams plays.”

That becomes harder if the Trojans are short-handed. Safety Alex Graham is questionable after appearing to be injured at Rutgers. Cornerback Jontez Williams was omitted from USC's initial availability report Wednesday, leaving his status unclear after he said Tuesday that he was ready to play.

Defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart is also questionable after missing USC's first four games with a foot injury. Riley said Tuesday that Stewart was improving.

Next Man Up USC could also be thin at receiver and in the return game. Trent Mosley is doubtful after missing Rutgers with a knee issue, and Corey Simms is out.

Mosley opened his USC career with 13 catches for 255 yards, four receiving touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in three games. Simms caught at least two passes in each of USC's first four games, totaled nearly 200 yards and scored against Rutgers.

Cornerback Prophet Brown delivered an interception return for a touchdown against Rutgers. With Graham questionable and Williams' status unresolved, the remaining defensive backs could carry more of the late-down burden.

What the Coaches Can Actually Change USC has to make the coverage plays Riley described and avoid another punt-game mistake. Rutgers' fake punt and last season's special-teams swing against Oregon make those moments more than a side concern.

The Trojans do not need to remake a 4-0 team before Saturday. They need their secondary to make Oregon finish drives on more than one snap.

The Pate State Read Rutgers gave USC a warning without handing it a loss. Oregon is the first chance to find out whether the Trojans can get off the field when the down and distance demand it.

What to Watch Next Watch USC's availability list for Graham, Williams, Mosley and Stewart, then watch where Oregon attacks if Graham or Williams is unavailable. On the field, track Oregon's third- and fourth-down conversions against Rutgers' nine in 15 tries, and watch every punt after special teams swung both the Sept. 19 Rutgers game and USC's last meeting with Oregon.

“Great defenses find a way to get off the field on third and fourth down,” Brown said. “Going into this game, it's definitely going to be a big indicator on how it's going to go, how we do on third and fourth down.”

What Happened No. 8 Ole Miss beat LSU 32–24 on Saturday, rallying quarterback Chambliss past the Tigers’ comeback from a 24–7 deficit to keep the Rebels unbeaten at 3–0.

The win gave Ole Miss an early marquee SEC result for its playoff case against an LSU team that entered the game No. 7 in both major preseason polls. LSU fell to 2–1 after victories over Clemson and Louisiana Tech, leaving its playoff path less forgiving.

Chambliss delivered after LSU tied it at 24–24 and running back Kewan Lacy was sidelined with a shoulder injury. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 62 yards on Ole Miss’ final touchdown drive, then scored on a 14-yard run. He accounted for 76 yards on the possession.

Golding said the response fit the quarterback his players trust.

“He's a fierce competitor. Y'all know that and have seen that for a long time. When we talk about competitive greatness, being at your best when your best is needed, that's him. Our guys believe in him. He probably wants a couple throws back, but he made the ones when he had to. He doesn't get too high or too low; he's steady. I said that this morning on GameDay: I don't care what level you coach; if you don't have a quarterback, good luck. We've got a good one, and he's a good dude. I'm super grateful,” Golding said.

Chambliss finished 33 of 48 for 363 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His fourth-quarter run put Ole Miss ahead 32–24.

Why This One Matters Ole Miss finished 13–2 and 7–1 in the SEC in 2025. It now has a 3–0 start that includes Louisville, Charlotte and LSU, plus an eight-point win over an opponent that began the season among the sport’s highest-ranked teams.

That makes the Sept. 26 trip to Florida more than a chance to reach 4–0. A win would turn the LSU result into the base of an SEC and playoff push instead of one charged September night.

Golding put the assignment plainly: “LSU can be a résumé boost for Ole Miss without becoming the destination.”

The 363 yards matter, but the six completions on eight attempts after LSU had tied the game explain why Golding praised Chambliss’ steadiness.

Next Man Up Ole Miss has not said whether Lacy will be available at Florida or disclosed the extent of his shoulder injury. That leaves Golding with a backfield decision before the Rebels’ second SEC game.

Chambliss carried the decisive moment against LSU. How much Ole Miss needs him to carry after Lacy left remains the immediate question.

What the Coaches Can Actually Change Golding’s first call is personnel: whether Lacy can play and how Ole Miss handles the workload if he cannot. LSU forced Ole Miss into a game-changing possession after erasing 17 points; the Rebels’ answer was to let Chambliss decide it.

The Pate State Read Ole Miss owns the cleaner early playoff position because it beat LSU head-to-head and left with a quality SEC win. The comeback also kept the result from answering everything about the Rebels, especially at running back.

For LSU, the loss is not an ending. It removes room for another stumble.

What to Watch Next 1. Lacy’s status at Florida: Whether he plays, and his role if he does, will show how much his shoulder affects Ole Miss’ backfield. 2. Chambliss in another SEC road game: His completion line, turnovers and late-game production at Florida will show whether Ole Miss can carry its LSU response forward. 3. LSU against Texas A&M on Sept. 26: The Tigers’ first game after their loss will show how they respond to the narrowed path.

Ole Miss has the win it needed. Chambliss made sure it did not become the one that got away.

USC faces Oregon with late-down defense exposed

What Happened No. 12 USC hosts Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 26, needing to clean up the late-down defense and special teams mistakes exposed in its 42-35 win at Rutgers on Sept. 19 while sorting out key injuries before the Ducks arrive.

Why This One Matters USC has won its first four games, but Rutgers turned nine of 15 third- and fourth-down attempts into conversions in a one-score game. Oregon is 2-1, and a USC loss would both complicate the Trojans' CFP route and extend Riley's losing streak against the Ducks.

Next Man Up USC could also be thin at receiver and in the return game. Trent Mosley is doubtful after missing Rutgers with a knee issue, and Corey Simms is out.

What the Coaches Can Actually Change USC has to make the coverage plays Riley described and avoid another punt-game mistake. Rutgers' fake punt and last season's special-teams swing against Oregon make those moments more than a side concern.

The Pate State Read Rutgers gave USC a warning without handing it a loss. Oregon is the first chance to find out whether the Trojans can get off the field when the down and distance demand it.

01 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered

Can USC's secondary tighten up on third and fourth down?

Will USC avoid another special-teams swing against Oregon?

02 · The Watch ListWhat to Watch Next

Can USC get Oregon off the field late?

Who is available in USC's secondary?

Does special teams swing another big game?

Chambliss lifts Ole Miss past LSU after rally

What Happened No. 8 Ole Miss beat LSU 32–24 on Saturday, rallying quarterback Chambliss past the Tigers’ comeback from a 24–7 deficit to keep the Rebels unbeaten at 3–0.

Why This One Matters Ole Miss finished 13–2 and 7–1 in the SEC in 2025. It now has a 3–0 start that includes Louisville, Charlotte and LSU, plus an eight-point win over an opponent that began the season among the sport’s highest-ranked teams.

Next Man Up Ole Miss has not said whether Lacy will be available at Florida or disclosed the extent of his shoulder injury. That leaves Golding with a backfield decision before the Rebels’ second SEC game.

What the Coaches Can Actually Change Golding’s first call is personnel: whether Lacy can play and how Ole Miss handles the workload if he cannot. LSU forced Ole Miss into a game-changing possession after erasing 17 points; the Rebels’ answer was to let Chambliss decide it.

The Pate State Read Ole Miss owns the cleaner early playoff position because it beat LSU head-to-head and left with a quality SEC win. The comeback also kept the result from answering everything about the Rebels, especially at running back.