USC 35, Oregon State 10: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The USC Trojans were able to snap back from their devastating loss to Boston College with a solid victory over conference rival Oregon State on Saturday night at the LA Memorial Coliseum, 35-10.

USC showed flashes of brilliance on offense Saturday night, and their defense was dominant against an Oregon State team that many considered to contend for a PAC 12 title this season.  

Here was the Good, Bad, and Ugly from the game:

Good

USC Defense – The USC defense just seems to step up when the lights are bright.  The Trojans Defensive Unit played a fantastic game on Saturday night by holding the potent Oregon State Beavers offense to only 181 yards from scrimmage and no offensive touchdowns.  The USC defense held Oregon State’s top QB Sean Mannion at bay for the bulk of the game, and only allowed the high-flying Beavers to only 123 yards passing.   USC is quickly becoming known as a defensive powerhouse under Coach Steve Sarkisian, and will need to keep this up for a chance at the PAC 12 title.

Javorious “Buck” Allen – Junior Running Back Javorious “Buck” Allen is steadily becoming the USC Trojans top offensive weapon.  Allen carved up the Oregon State defense for 115 yards and a touchdown on Saturday night.  For USC to be successful, they need to get the ball into Allen’s hands as USC has won every game that he has rushed for over 100 yards in the game. 

Storm Woods – The only bright spot for the Oregon State Beavers was the rushing of Storm Woods on Saturday night.  Woods only had 9 carries, but he provided the most excitement for the Beavers fans with 61 yards from scrimmage.  Woods has big play ability, and needs to be a bigger piece of the Beavers offensive attack.

Amazing Hail Mary – USC provided a season long highlight moment at the end of the first half when Coach Steve Sarkisian dialed up a “Hail Mary” call with two seconds remaining.  USC QB Cody Kessler heaved a pass, and the ball just dropped into the hands of USC Sophomore Darreus Rogers for an amazing touchdown to close out the half.  This just deflated the Oregon State Beavers, and they were never able to get back into the game.

Bad

Sean Mannion – The Oregon State Senior QB was just off on Saturday night as he posted one of the worst games of his career.  Mannion has immense talent, but was constantly under pressure on Saturday night, and made a few suspect decisions that cost his team a victory.  Mannion will definitely have a chance at getting to the next level, but he has yet to play to his ability under the bright lights of a big game. 

Oregon State Secondary – The Beavers came into LA with an undefeated record and a ton of confidence.  They left a shaken group, carved up by a Trojans offense, including a last second “Hail Mary” that just broke the confidence of the Beavers.  The Oregon State Secondary allowed USC Cody Kessler to methodically drive the field for 261 yards and two touchdowns through the air. 

Ugly

Penalties – Both teams combined for 27 penalties that cost over 232 yards from scrimmage.  This sloppy play killed several drives, and took points off the board.  After the game, USC Coach Sarkisian said, “The team needs to clean it up, or it will cost us in the long run.”  Penalties have been a sore spot for the USC Trojans as they have averaged 8 penalties a game to start out this season.