EUGENE, Ore. (Interstat) — In a game that defied pregame projections, the Oregon Ducks used a dominant first half and a game-breaking special teams play to defeat the Southern California Trojans 42-27 on Saturday before 59,588 fans at Autzen Stadium.

The Ducks, who entered the contest as underdogs according to the betting line but with a high probability to win according to advanced metrics, improved their season record to 10-1. The Trojans fell to 8-3.

Oregon set the tone early, matching every Southern California score in the first half and then some. After the Trojans took an early lead on a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Maiava to Makai Lemon, the Ducks responded with two quick scores. Jordon Davison capped a 75-yard drive with an 11-yard rushing touchdown, and quarterback Dante Moore connected with tight end Kenyon Sadiq for an 8-yard score to end the first quarter with a 14-7 lead.

The Trojans pulled even early in the second quarter on a trick play, with Lemon throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Tanook Hines. But the momentum shifted decisively back to Oregon moments later. Following a Southern California punt, Oregon’s Malik Benson fielded the ball at his own 15 and weaved through the coverage for an 85-yard punt return touchdown, electrifying the home crowd and putting the Ducks up 21-14.

Oregon extended its lead just before halftime with a methodical 16-play, 71-yard drive that consumed over seven minutes of clock. The drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by defensive back Bryce Boettcher, who was on the field for a goal-line package, giving the Ducks a 28-14 advantage at the intermission.

Southern California cut into the lead on its first possession of the second half, with Maiava finding Lemon again for a 4-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-21. Oregon answered right back, however, as Moore hit Sadiq for their second scoring connection of the day, this time from 28 yards out, to restore the 14-point lead at 35-21 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Trojans made one final push, with Maiava hitting tight end Lake McRee for a 9-yard touchdown early in the final period. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the score at 35-27. Oregon then put the game away with a 14-play, 79-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown run by Noah Whittington to seal the 42-27 victory.

Maiava finished the game with three touchdown passes, completing 25 of 43 attempts for 306 yards, but also threw two interceptions. His top targets were Tanook Hines, who had six receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, and Ja’Kobi Lane, who caught six passes for 108 yards.

For Oregon, Dante Moore was efficient, completing 22 of 30 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Whittington was a workhorse on the ground, carrying the ball 19 times for 104 yards and the clinching touchdown. Sadiq was Moore’s favorite red-zone target, catching six passes for 72 yards and two scores.

Defensively, Oregon’s pressure was key, with Matayo Uiagalelei recording a sack and two quarterback hurries. The Ducks’ secondary also came up with two critical interceptions, one each by Jadon Canady and Ify Obidegwu. For Southern California, linebacker Desman Stephens II was everywhere, recording a game-high 17 tackles.

The Ducks will look to continue their winning ways next Saturday when they travel to face Washington. The Trojans return home to host UCLA the same day.