Oregon and USC headline major college football weekend

A major weekend of college football features a high-stakes Big Ten matchup between No. 20 Oregon and No. 12 USC. The Ducks, currently 2-1, seek to reassert their title contention following a loss to Oklahoma State, while the undefeated Trojans aim to secure a playoff berth. Key storylines include Oregon's injury concerns regarding tight end Jamari Johnson and the status of USC defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart.

Other notable Big Ten matchups include No. 5 Indiana hosting Northwestern, No. 17 Iowa visiting No. 18 Michigan, and No. 13 Penn State facing Wisconsin. In other matchups, Troy (2-1) prepares to face Utah State (0-3) in Logan, Utah, while Oregon State's highly productive passing attack, led by quarterback Braden Atkinson, continues to draw national attention despite a 1-2 start.

In the Pac-12, Oregon State is scheduled to face UTEP during UTEP's Homecoming game at the Sun Bowl. The Beavers currently lead the nation in passing yards per game, driven by the connection between Atkinson and receiver Jesse Legree.