USC's visit to Oregon on Saturday is chock-full of compelling storylines, but one big one is missing: national relevance. This game won't produce a national title contender or provide highlights for a Heisman Trophy coronation.
In August, that didn't seem possible.
Both teams began the season ranked in the top 10, with USC picked to win the rugged South Division and the Pac-12 overall, and the Ducks favored in the North, widely viewed as the best potential foil for USC if things worked out with transfer quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. USC had top Heisman contender Cody Kessler behind center, but more than a few folks thought his two-way teammate Adoree' Jackson might displace him as the West Coast's top candidate.