Week 5 for the USC Trojans will be a great test against Oregon. We will see whether they have an offensive line good enough for a deep run in the Big Ten. It will also be evident how good Jayden Maiava is; he could be under pressure quite often versus the Oregon Ducks’ defensive line. The USC offensive line will have something to say (and do) about that.
The USC Trojans have a stout and impressive left tackle in Elijah Paige, who will need to set the tone versus the Oregon Ducks’ premier defensive line. Unfortunately for the Trojans, they do not have 5 Paiges to protect Jayden Maiava. That is exactly what it will take to hold the Ducks’ defensive line in check.
Amari Washington headlines the Ducks’ defensive line as he has a reputation for being an enforcer and a run stuffer. His running mate in the interior is no other than former USC Trojan Bear Alexander, who is just as good when it comes to plugging gaps. Those two, if the Trojans allow it, can single-handedly take the Trojans’ run game out of the game.
On the edge, it does not get any easier, with both Teitum Tuioti Matayo Uiagalelei. Tuioti had 9.5 sacks last season, and Uiagalelei had 6.0 sacks to complement that on the other edge. Both guys can wreak havoc at a high level.
Week 5 will be Lincoln Riley and the Trojans toughest test, maybe of the entire season. However, it will be a game that will display how good USC is offensively in the most critical positions. If Maiava can handle the pressure and the offensive line can hold up, USC can find a way to pull off a season-setting win.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Jayden Maiava and USC offensive line must bring A-game versus Oregon
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Micah Huff, Trojans Wire | USA TODAY Network
