USC vs. Oregon: How the teams match up This was supposed to be a game with Bowl Championship Series title implications for both teams. But only No. 2 Oregon remains a contender heading into Saturday's Pac-12 Conference game at the Coliseum. Staff writer Gary Klein examines the matchups and story lines: Dynamic duo Fans are advised not to leave their stadium seats or couches at home regardless of which team has the ball. Because there is a high probability of missing a spectacular play. After amassing 469 all-purpose yards against Arizona, USC's Marqise Lee vaulted into third place in one weekly poll of Heisman Trophy voters. The 6-foot, 195-pound sophomore has 10 touchdown catches and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Meantime, Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas covered well over 100 yards while going backward, sideways and straight up the sideline while returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown against Colorado. The 5-9, 176-pound former Crenshaw High star also has rushed for seven touchdowns and caught three touchdown passes. "Very different bodies," USC Coach Lane Kiffin said, "but very similar players ... in a lot of ways." Old and new Senior Matt Barkley has broken Pac-12 and USC passing records in each of the last two games, but Oregon's Marcus Mariota, a redshirt freshman, might have more momentum. Barkley has passed for 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions, including two last week in a loss at Arizona. Lee and Robert Woods are Barkley's main targets, but four of tight end Xavier Grimble's 15 catches have gone for touchdowns. Mariota might run better than former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and appears on track to equal or surpass Darron Thomas as a passer. Mariota has passed for 18 touchdowns with five interceptions. He has rushed for three touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass. De'Anthony Thomas has a team-high 24 catches, one of seven players with 11 or more. Tight end Colt Lyerla has 12 receptions, four for touchdowns. Backfield in motion Will Kenjon Barner ever enjoy a starring role? For two seasons, the Oregon senior operated in the shadow of LaMichael James. Now, Thomas moves the buzz meter. Meantime, Barner just keeps producing. He has averaged 121.8 yards rushing per game and has scored 15 touchdowns. USC needs a productive, turnover-free game from tailbacks Silas Redd, Curtis McNeal and D.J. Morgan, who must avoid fumbles that have recently plagued the Trojans. Defending their turf USC outside linebackers Dion Bailey and Hayes Pullard showed last season against Oregon they could cut off angles and tackle in space. But Mariota's mobility could make it especially tough on the Trojans' back seven. USC got no sacks against elusive Arizona quarterback Matt Scott, so they're in for a challenge against Mariota.