2008 Week 5

Los Angeles, (AP)

The Southern California Trojans got back on the field yesterday after an disappointing loss against the Buckeyes last week against the Oregon State Beavers with a convincing 57-35 victory.

SC struggled in the 1st QTR, Joe Mcknight fumbled a punt return with 5:03 in the 1st QTR and Beaver's CB T. Clark was able to pick the ball up and scored the 1st TD of the game helping the Beavers to a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing possession Trojans were able to drive the ball into Beaver's redzone, but the stingy Beavers defense stopped the Trojans on a 3 and 2 Beaver's 8 yard line. The Trojans settled for a fiedgoal making the game 7-3 Beaver's lead. Under some USC's old veteran's leadership, Mark Sanchez threw a strike to McKnight for a TD. Maualuga stepped up to the plate soon after that with a int for TD from Oregon State QB S. Canfield. Canfield was pressured by USC defenders and threw a bone head pass into double coverage. USC was up 27-7, but the Beavers held tough on two impressive plays by WR, D. Catchings and WR K. Lewis. Catching scored on a lob pass to the corner of the field by Cansfield and took it up the field for a 59 YDS TD. Oregon State was able to stop SC's next possession and Lewis returned a punt for 79 YDS for a spectacular TD. Coach Carroll told reporters after the game that he would have to look to change the personnel on the special team after giving up TDs on special teams two weeks in a row. One of those possible replacement would be Clay Matthews. Carroll told us that he is just playing hurt right now and he's a step slow getting down the field.

The 2nd half began as a defensive struggle, but USC managed to drive down the field and convert a 40 FG by David Buehler, putting SC up 30-21 at the 2:13 mark. On the ensuing kickoff lightning struck again as Catching returned the kickoff 102 YDS the other way for a TD making the game 30-28. The Trojans was able to rely on the versatility McKnight after that point and used him heavily by throwing and handing him the ball in large doses. McKnight was able to collect 67 2nd half rush yards and scored on two long runs of 31 and 17 yards and put the game away for the Trojans. Final score Trojans 57 Beavers 35.

Next Game

Trojans travels back home to face the Oregon Ducks. Trojans suffered a devastating lost last year to the Ducks that knocked the Trojans out of the National Championship picture. SC looks for payback.

Recruiting Notes

USC received early commitment from ESPN nationally ranked #2 (5 star) DE Chris Morris from Camarillo CA. Morris last year (Jr year) had 22 sacks and 87 tackles and is consider the best pass rushing DE in the nation. Morris has tremendous speed off the edge.

ESPN top 150 #3 (5 star) DE Mike Pino committed to SC last week. Pino is a monster of a DE that is able to stop the run and get to the QB. Mike also have a lean frame (6-7 250 IBS) that is going to gain more muscle mass. USC is looking forward to these two DEs to cause havic as Kyle Moore and Gerald Washington graduate this year.