Oregon vs. USC Recap: Raiola Steps In, Ducks Pull Away Late

Oregon beat USC 41-27, but it was tied at 27 with 12:41 left. Dylan Raiola took over at quarterback for Oregon in the second quarter and completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns. After USC tied it, Oregon went 75 yards in 9 plays for the go-ahead score, a 29-yard Raiola pass to Dakorien Moore. USC turned it over on downs, and Jordon Davison's 2-yard run at 2:03 closed it. Eight DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Oregon ML (-180 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: USC's top WR Corey Simms was out and receiving leader Trent Mosley was doubtful. Oregon was missing WR Jeremiah McClellan and RB Simeon Price but kept more of its skill players.
• What happened: Oregon won by 14 with 504 yards and no turnovers. TE Jamari Johnson had 7 catches for 119 yards, and Dierre Hill Jr. had 105 receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns.
• Worth watching: The depth edge held through a quarterback change. Skill-player depth is worth weighing when both sides have injuries.

ALT: Over 52.5: CASHED

• Our read: The main total was 61.5, with two passers who had combined for 21 touchdowns and 1 interception. Nine points of cushion.
• What happened: 68 points, 15.5 over. The tie at 27 already had it over.
• Worth watching: Even the main 61.5 went over. Two high-volume passing games made the alt a comfortable one.

ALT: USC team total Over 24.5: CASHED

• Our read: USC had scored 42, 39, 49 and 42, Oregon gave up 39 at Oklahoma State and was missing LB Brayden Platt, and the 60.5 total with Oregon -3.5 implied about 28.5 for USC.
• What happened: USC scored 27, clearing by 2.5. It sat at 20 until Tanook Hines caught an 11-yard touchdown with 12:41 left.
• Worth watching: It took a fourth-quarter touchdown to get there. A lower alt fits a team that went 2-for-11 on third down.

ALT: Jayden Maiava 225+ passing yards: CASHED

• Our read: Maiava was averaging 293 passing yards with 12 touchdowns, the main line was 263.5, and the total was 61.5.
• What happened: 23 of 42 passes for 326 yards, 101.5 clear, with 2 touchdown passes and a 1-yard touchdown run. Nine different USC players caught a pass.
• Worth watching: He threw 42 times without Simms and Mosley. A thin receiver room spread the ball around without shrinking the volume.

ALT: Evan Stewart 3+ receptions: CASHED

• Our read: McClellan was out, and Stewart already averaged 5 catches and 74 yards a game.
• What happened: 7 catches, 4.5 over, including a 3-yard touchdown. He caught passes from both quarterbacks.
• Worth watching: His volume held through the quarterback change. His catch count looks like the steadier number.

ALT: Evan Stewart 50+ receiving yards: CASHED

• Our read: McClellan and Lott were ruled out, so targets would funnel to Stewart, who had 72, 78 and 72 yards in his three games.
• What happened: 7 catches for 56 yards, 6.5 clear, long of 17. He was at 41 until a 15-yard catch with 5:04 left.
• Worth watching: Johnson and Hill took more of the yardage than we expected, so a lower yardage alt gives more room.

ALT: Dakorien Moore 40+ receiving yards: CASHED

• Our read: Moore had 93, 45 and 54 receiving yards, and with McClellan out he and Stewart were the top two left.
• What happened: 3 catches for 42 yards, 2.5 clear. He had 13 yards before the 29-yard go-ahead touchdown with 8:35 left.
• Worth watching: One catch made this. Three catches is thin volume for a 40-yard line, so the price has to be right.

ALT: Kayden Dixon-Wyatt 4+ receptions: CASHED

• Our read: With Mosley and Simms out, Dixon-Wyatt (4, 6, 3 and 5 catches) became Maiava's top outside option.
• What happened: 7 catches for 114 yards, 3.5 over, including a 31-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
• Worth watching: He led USC in catches and yards. While the top two receivers are out, his catch line stays interesting.

How the game played out

USC moved the ball, with 446 yards and 4-for-5 on fourth down. But it went 2-for-11 on third down, came away empty on a field goal try on its opening drive, and its last two drives ended on downs and a Koi Perich interception.

Trends to watch

• Oregon's depth is real. Without Price, Hill and Davison combined for three rushing touchdowns, and Johnson and Hill each topped 100 receiving yards.
• Maiava threw 42 times without his top two receivers. His yardage alts are worth a look while that room stays thin.
• Stewart caught 7 passes from two different quarterbacks. Reception alts on him look sturdier than yardage alts.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to these terms? Read up on the alt line, moneyline bets and the player prop, or head back to the college football hub.