Game Preview: USC vs OSU

USC vs. OSU GAME NOTES

On a rare Thursday evening football game, the Trojans take on the Beavers in Corvallis.

USC (2-0) at OREGON STATE (1-2) - Thursday, September 25 - 6:00 PST - ESPN national telecast

The Series: USC and Oregon State have met 71 times dating to 1914 with the Trojans holding a commanding 58-9-4 series advantage. The Beavers, however, have won two of the last three games played at Corvallis, most recently a stunning 33-31 upset win over the No. 3-ranked Trojans in 2006.

Last Year: USC and Oregon State met at Los Angeles with the Trojans prevailing 24-3 with all the scoring coming in the first half. That victory started USC’s current seven game winning streak. The Trojan defense was dominant in limiting the Beavers to 176 yards total offense (91
rushing, 85 passing) and posting nine QB sacks. The OSU defense performed well in limiting SC to 287 yards total offense, but a 21-point barrage in less than eight minutes in the second quarter provided the difference.

Trojans become the last team to enter Conference play with game at Oregon State Thursday night. After having a couple of early open dates, Trojans play the next eight weeks straight. QB Mark Sanchez and MLB Rey Maualuga picked up Pac-10 offensive and defensive player of the week honors for their roles in Trojans’ 35-3 win against Ohio State in USC’s last outing. It is the second offensive player of the week plaque for Sanchez in as many games.

Sanchez has tossed seven TD passes in SC’s first two games this year. He has at least two TD
passes in each of his last four starts.

USC defense piled up 11 tackles for loss vs. Ohio State (-52 yards), including five QB sacks (-36).

USC defense has not allowed a touchdown in its last seven quarters and has surrendered only one in first two games.

USC has won its last 15 September games.

OLB Clay Matthews has forced a fumble in each of the first two games.


Coaching Note: Oregon State coach Mike Riley spent four years (1993-96) as offensive coordinator at USC under John Robinson before taking the job as Oregon State head coach the first time.

PAC-10 NOTES:

CURRENT STREAKS:

Longest overall winning streak: 7 games - USC
Longest Conference-game winning streak: 4 games - USC
Longest home winning streak: 4 games - Arizona and USC
Longest road winning streak: 3 games - USC

OUT OF OUR LEAGUE: In 24 non-conference games to date, the Pac-10 is dead even at 12-12 against non-conference foes.

HOME/ROAD: In 29 games involving Pac-10 teams so far this season, the home team has won 20 times, the visitors nine times. In five Conference games, the home team stands at 3-2.