Oregon Vs. USC: A Question Of Size

SB Nation’s Conquest Chronicles thinks defensive line play will be a crucial element in Saturday’s Oregon-USC game:

The Big Uglies will control the line of scrimmage. Size matters and when it comes to comparing the USC and Oregon lines the contest is not even close. The offensive lines are similarly sized, averaging 294 and 295 pounds respectively. But the defensive lines each will be facing present very different match ups. The Duck’s defensive line weighs in at an average of just 258 pounds. On the other hand, the Trojan d-line is built like an offensive line, averaging 291 pounds. The size advantage USC enjoys will be important, especially when it comes to protecting the QB and establishing a running game which will be essential to keeping the Oregon offense off the field. On the defensive line, the size match up will be helpful in getting consistent penetration and disrupting the backfield. It also helps that the Trojan lines have been two of the best performing squads on the team this season.