Too little too late for the Beavers as Trojans pull out 42-36 win

October 25, 10:24 AMUSC Trojans ExaminerNeal Leitereg

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The Trojans should start selling supplemental life insurance in the stands and to viewers watching at home because, if the last two games are any indication, they might give someone a heart attack before this season is over.

The University of Southern California held on to beat an Oregon State Beavers team that continually scratched and clawed at the Trojans every step of the way Saturday night.

The game started out well for the Trojans, who led 21-to-9 going into halftime. However, the Trojans’ defense allowed the Beavers to score four touchdowns in the second half to make things more than just a little interesting.

Matt Barkley picked up where he left off after his strong performance against Notre Dame by connecting with new-found favorite target, tight end Anthony McCoy, for an 8-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Barkley threw another touchdown in the second quarter, this time a 22-yard strike to Ronald Johnson. Getting that first touchdown reception of the season is a nice sign for Johnson, who struggled to find his rhythm and timing with Barkley after returning from an injury last weekend in his first game back.

The first half of play also saw the young and talented Barkley reach yet another milestone in his short collegiate career. With 2:48 left to play in the second quarter, Barkley scored his first rushing touchdown as a member of the Trojans on a 1-yard quarterback sneak.

The Beavers, who moved the ball very well throughout the entire game, struggled to get into the end zone in the first half and went into halftime with just 9 points on three field goals.

Oregon State would have had a fourth field goal but kicker, Justin Kahut, missed a chip shot after connecting on two 48-yard field goals in the first quarter as well as a 33-yarder in the second.

In the second half of play, it was the Sean Canfield and Jacquizz Rodgers show for the Beavers as the two Oregon State players piled up yardage and started finding the end zone at a rapid pace.

Canfield had a huge performance against USC, throwing for 329 yards on 30-of-43 passes. His three touchdown passes in the second half helped the Beavers stay in contention down the stretch.

Through the first two quarters of play, the Trojans' defenders put up an admirable effort (with the help of the “Quizz’s” absence for much of the second quarter) to corral Beavers' tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, who came into Saturday's game leading the Pac-10 in touchdowns. This could not be said for the game in its entirety as Jacquizz and his brother James seemed to wear down Southern California's defense as the game progressed.

The Trojans' run defense, which has been one of the nation’s best this season, gave up a combined 155 yards rushing to the Rodgers brothers, much of which came in the second half of play.

Fortunately for USC, it was Allen Bradford's night to shine. Bradford, who has been seeing more and more reps due to the rash of injuries at tailback, blew through the Beavers’ defense on the ground to the tune of 147 yards rushing.

Bradford's two second half rushing touchdowns, combined with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by Damian Williams, were enough to put the game out of reach and secure the victory for USC.

Speaking of Williams, his punt return for a touchdown was an incredible show and, combined with his six catches for 58-yards, resulted in yet another great game for Southern California's star wideout.

While the Trojans’ defense continued its assault on the quarterback, sacking Sean Canfield three times, they seemed to get a tad winded in the second half. However, one of the sacks was a key play since it stopped a Beavers’ drive and Oregon State had to give up the ball, thus preventing the Beavers from matching a previous Trojan touchdown.

There were numerous blown assignments and, unlike previous games this season, Southern California gave up a number of big plays. That being said, credit needs to be given to an Oregon State Beavers team that sports arguably one of the best offenses in the Pac-10 (maybe second to only USC).

This game was not exactly pretty and in the end it was a little too close for comfort, but a win is a win and the Trojans will take it.

There is still work to be done for Southern California to finish out strong and make some noise in the BCS, but knowing the Trojans they will be more than willing to put in the time and get in sync for the stretch run.