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College football 2019: Biggest trap game facing every Top 25 team

By Cody Williams

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #5 of the Clemson Tigers gets away from R.J. Roderick #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

12. Oregon Ducks

Biggest Trap Game: at USC (Nov. 2)

The Oregon Ducks are undoubtedly still celebrating the return of quarterback Justin Herbert for his senior season. Despite the fact that his statistical efficiency dropped off and, thus, so too did the team’s success in Pac-12 play, where all four of their losses in 2018 came. With the potential 2020 first overall pick in the NFL Draft back in Eugene, though, hopes are high for the Ducks.

Not only does Oregon have the tremendous quarterback play at their disposal but they might have one of the most exciting offenses in the country. Not only does Mario Cristobal have a two-headed monster at running back and a veteran offensive line, but Penn State transfer Juwan Johnson and stud freshman Mycah Pittman lead Herbert’s terrific group of wide receivers to distribute the pigskin to.

Where Oregon needs to be more consistent to reach their potential is on defense and they have some horses to help make that happen. Linebacker Troy Dye is a tackling machine in the middle of the field and the Ducks are certainly hoping that the arrival of Kayvon Thibodeaux will help give them some explosion on defense. Moreover, adding defensive coordinator Andy Avalos could help as well.

My favorite to win the Pac-12, Oregon’s schedule shakes out kind of oddly in terms of trying to find a trap game. However, an early November trip to play USC could be a tough one for them after taking on Washington and Washington State. We know the Trojans will have the talent and, if they come to play, could give the Ducks all they can handle if they’re not taken seriously.