The Game for the Roses - Bruins Visit The Coliseum

After a rocky mid-season, the Trojans have fought their way back to a chance for the Roses. And now only the Bruins stand in the way, with their own (long) shot to play in the Rose Bowl.

Its Championship Saturday folks . . . no other buildup is needed.

The Bruins literally limp into the Coliseum not sure who's healthy or experienced enough to play QB, but with a defense that has been battle tested. The Trojans are peaking at just the right time on both sides of the ball. But despite the condition of both teams, this RIVARLY game takes on a life force of its own . . . and the team who's WILL is the strongest on game day ends up being the winner.

Let's break it down:

UCLA

Offense - The Bruins have (3) QBs to choose from . . . and yet, no QBs to choose from. Ben Olson, Pat Cowan and Ossar Rashaan are injured or woefully inexperienced to some degree - the bet is that Olson with his bad knee, 50% completion rate, 7 TDs and 6 INTs will at least start the game - but who finishes is anybody's guess. The running back situation is hardly any better, but at least the solid Chris Markey is back and should receive the majority of carries, with Craig Sheppard spelling him. WR Brandon Breazell leads the receiving corp, and is probably the Bruins best playmaker at this point with 46 receptions for 713 yards. He's also the trick play guy as he seems to get the ball on a reverse, stop, and then try to throw a pass downfield to another receiver every big game for the Bruins. The OLine has only been okay - part of that has to do with the revolving QB door behind them - as the offense is ranked 9th or 10th in the conference in scoring, passing and total offense in the Pac 10.

Defense - not very big in the front (7), but they use their speed, hustle and positioning to make plays as the #4 team in the Pac 10 in total defense. DE Bruce Davis leads the DLine in trash talk and sacks with 9.5 this year, while the rest of the front four is make-shift. LBs Christian Taylor and Reggie Carter are particularly active vs. the run, helping the Bruins rank third in the conference against the run game. The CB tandem of Trey Brown and Al Verner is not big, but they have been particularly productive - garnering (4) INTs apiece and combining to breakup 29 passes this year. Safeties Horton and Van like to support the run defense, but often leave their feet to make tackles - not good as the last line of defense.

Special Teams - the strength of the team. Kicker Kai Forbath is clicking at an 85% rate, and has been integral to the Bruin offense. KOR Matt Slater has been a secret weapon this year, as he has returned (3) kickoffs for TDs and ranks #1 in the Pac 10 in return avg. (30 yards). Punter Aaron Perez averages a nice 43 yards per kick, as well.

USC

Offense - JD Booty and the offense have been humming on all cyclinders the past few weeks, keeping defenses off balance by running and passing the ball well. Once again, Booty must limit turnovers giving the Bruins NO cheap opportunities. The run game will have flexibility to run inside and outside with Washington, Johnson and McKnight - and I would love to see more toss sweeps to complement the bread and butter inside counter running plays. The Bruin defense will probably "bracket" TE Fred Davis to limit his chances, but if the Trojan WRs can have another efficient game - no drops, stay upright for yards after catch and block downfield - the Bruins will be in trouble. SC's mostly healthy OLine vs. the Bruin DLine will be the battle ground - the controller of that line will determine whether this game is a Trojan blowout or a close game.

Defense - No matter what QB the Bruins trot out there . . . that individual is in trouble. The SC DLine has been feeding in opponents' backfield for most of the season, but especially in the last three games racking up (13) sacks as a unit. Its been "mission accomplished" as far as stopping the run game - and it will be no different vs. UCLA. Similar to the ASU game, the Trojan LBs need to be prepared for Bruin draw plays and screens to RB Chris Markey as an escape from the intense SC pressure. The Trojan DBs will also need to stay disciplined as UCLA typically goes deep a few times a game, with a trick pass play thrown in there.

Special Teams - The KO coverage teams can't afford a breakdown as with ASU - the Bruins' Matt Slater is really good on KORs and UCLA could use a cheap TD from their special teams to stay in the game. RoJo, however, can continue to help SC's offense with good returns as well. (Interesting note - UCLA has failed to notch a touchback on KOs this year.) DBuehler has just been money on FGs this year, and his scoring has kept the pressure on opposing offenses.

What to Watch For: This game kind of boils down to SC's offense vs. UCLA's defense - so I'm going to pay close attention to:

* 3rd Downs - UCLA's defense has made a living getting offenses off the field on third downs (ranking 1st in the Pac 10), while SC's offense is converting 3rd downs at about a 45% clip (basically tied for first in the conference)

* The Red Zone - SC's offense has been spectacular in the kill zone, scoring over 87% of the time - 1st in the Pac 10. UCLA, on the other hand, ranks 2nd in the conference in Red Zone defense. Their defense has kept the team in ball games due to its ability to keep teams off the scoreboard inside the 20 yard line.

Prediction:

USC - 34

UCLA - 10

Trojans Devour Sun Devils, 44 - 24

Now that's what I'm talkin' about! There's nothing better than going to someone's house and pounding all of the food and drink in sight . . . and then bailing.

That's exactly what the Trojans did on Thanksgiving night. SC's offense scored on nearly every possession in the first half, and the defense put hammer down on ASU's run game, and especially the QB. And so somewhere between the third helping of turkey and dessert, the game was over.

Let's go to the grades:

Offense:

QB - J.D. Booty played his best game of the year - (4) TDs and another one rushing with 375 yards in a dominant performance. And it wasn't just the completions, it was the smart decisions to throw the ball away when nothing was there that made the night a masterpiece. Once again, Booty was on the road and threw (0) INTs . . . that's how you win. Grade: A+

RBs/FB - Solid performance, especially in the second half when SC decided to burn clock. CWashington had about 80 yards, with McKnight and Johnson spelling him. McKnight was especially effective on 3rd down in the passing game. Havili not only didn't drop a pass, but he caught a TD and crucial 3rd down pass as well. Grade: B+

WRs/TE - What a difference catching the ball makes . . . no drops from the WR corp and big time yards after the catch. This game represented the most complete performance this unit has had all year. TE FDavis balled out once again with a sweet 4th and 2 TD run and catch that sent the ASU faithful to the exits. He finished with 5 receptions for 119 yards. Hazleton was big not only catching the ball, but blocking too. Turner, Ausberry and RoJo also contributed with timely receptions. Grade: A

OLine - Really good game for this unit. They played physical, and protected Booty in the passing game (only giving up one sack - Butch Lewis missed his man), while paving the way for a solid running game. Grade: B+

Defense

DLine - This group brought the pain. LoJack had (4) sacks, forced a fumble and set a Trojan record for TFLs with (5.5) for the game. Sedrick Ellis was so scary the referrees were throwing flags for nothing. And frosh EGriffen chipped in with (6) tackles and a sack. The DLine shut down ASU's run game completely - ASU's RBs ran for 51 yards on 24 carries (and most of that came during garbage time). Grade: A+

LBs - Good, solid game. Kaluka Maiava subbing for KRivers, played well and led the team in tackles with (10). Thomas Williams also chipped in with (6) tackles, and Rey Maualuga inflicted some pain ASU's players won't soon forget. Grade: B

DBs - This unit gave up some yards through the air, but that was because ASU needed to throw a lot. They broke up (3) passes, though, and didn't give up any deep plays for TDs. TThomas had the one bad play of the night with a PI when he could had an INT. Grade: B

Special Teams:

Kicking/Coverage - Great job by DBuehler with (3) made FGs and several touchbacks on kickoffs. A couple of bad plays, though, giving up a TD return on a kickoff and giving up a blocked punt. RoJo set SC up nicely with a kick return, and no mistakes on PRs. Grade: C

Coaching - SC's offensive staff crossed up ASU by coming out with the aerial attack early (ASU thought SC would run the ball early and often a la CAL). They got Booty in a rhythm, and even called a brilliant play to TE FDavis on a 4th and 2 play. Like we said in our review, ASU would run screen plays to the RBs and WR underneath routes - but SC kept all of that in front of them and brought pressure that rattled ASU's QB. Grade: A

Game Balls:

Offense - QB J.D. Booty

Defense - DE Lawrence Jackson

Special Teams - K David Buehler

Prediction Winner: B-Dub (breaks up Payback record prediction streak)

Trojans Prepare for ASU

Fred G. Sanford would have said it best, "Ohhh Elizabeth . . . I'm comin' to join ya' honey . . . this is the BIG one . . . USC vs. ASU."

The Trojan run through November ends with a Thanksgiving tilt in Tempe, Arizona with the ASU Sun Devils. And this game sets up the winner to be in good position to win the Pac 10 championship (with an eye on Oregon's recent troubles, of course). USC will be as healthy as its been since the beginning of the season, and is used to these types of big games.

But after a review of these two teams, you'll find that they are very evenly matched offensively and defensively. And besides the usual keys of limiting turnovers and execution, this game has a "who wants it more" feel to it.

Let's break it down:

ASU

Offense: The Sun Devils are led by QB Rudy Carpenter, a talented passer who comes into the game with 20 TDs and 8 INTs, but also a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. The running game is led by RB Keegan Herring (77 ypg) since the season ending injury to high profile back Ryan Torain. The WRs are not spectacular, but they are very solid with (4) guys collecting over 25 balls this year - led by Chris McGaha's 41 receptions and Mike Jones' 18 ypc average. ASU's OLine anchors a very balanced attack that leads the Pac 10 conference in time of possession - but they have a glaring weakness - they are last in sacks, giving up over 4 per game.

Defense: A very underrated group that ranks in the top three in nearly all of the major defensive categories within the Pac 10. Most importantly, they are tied for first in Takeaways. The DLine is led by Dexter Davis who has 8.5 sacks, and LB Robert James is a very active player. But the strength of the defense might be the defensive backfield - SS Troy Nolan has 5 INTs and ASU ranks only behind SC in terms of pass defense efficiency. There has been one problem area - Red Zone defense. ASU is last in that category in the Pac 10, as teams have scored on the Sun Devils nearly every time they get inside the 20 yard line. The good part for the Sun Devils is that their turnover prowess has prevented teams from getting inside their 20 yard line a lot.

Special Teams - ASU boasts the best FG kicker in the league in Thomas Weber, clicking at a 95% rate (19 - 20). And Kyle Williams and Rudy Burgess have been very solid punt/kickoff return men for the Sun Devils.


USC

Offense: We know the deal for QB JD Booty - no INTs and play efficiently. When that happens, SC's offense maintains possession of the ball, and doesn't hurt itself. The running game will have to show up big time again. Having a healthy Stafon Johnson to go with a hot CWashington should be a plus. The WRs will face some good DBs in this game, so they may not be spectacular, but all they have to do is CATCH the ball - no drops, please. More trench warfare for SC's OLine - once again, they must impose their will in the running game, and keep Booty's jersey clean. FB Stanley Havili and TE Fred Davis will be looked upon for the mismatches vs. ASU's back seven defenders.

Defense: The DLine can make some hay in this game on the pass rush, as the ASU OLine does not protect the passer well - LoJack and EGriffen will get some opportunities off the edge. But as usual, it starts with stopping the run game. I think SC's LBs should expect some RB/WR screen plays to RB Keegan Herring and Rudy Burgess from ASU as they will try to escape SC's pass rush. SC's DBs are kind of the unsung group of this defense, and they face another good challenge. TThomas' and KEllison's leadership will be called to the forefront again vs. ASU's solid WR corp.

Special Teams: The coverage and return units have played well this year. RoJo is getting closer and closer to busting a KOR. DBuehler has been really solid, but GWoidneck is not getting good distance on his punts. Watch for JMcKnight on punt returns . . . I got a feelin'.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

ASU - 16

Bow Down to True Trojan Fans

These are the faces of true, but definitely nutty, Trojan fans gutting it out in the bowl of soup called CAL stadium:

From left to right - Mrs. Big EZ, Mrs. Payback, Payback, Bayou Brown (Hari), Big XII, B-Dub and Lil' B-Dub. Photographer - Big EZ

Fight On!

Trojans Outlast Bears, 24 - 17

What a win! Talk about coming through in the clutch . . . on the road, hostile crowd, and playing in monsoon-like weather conditions - the Trojans got the job done.

CAL always plays SC tough and seized the momentum a few times in the game. But SC kept coming back, even after a few mistakes and missed opportunities, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and keep the BCS dream alive.

Let's go to the grades:

Offense

QB - The numbers for J.D. Booty were pedestrian - 11 for 20, 129 yards and 1 TD pass - but he threw zero INTs in tough weather conditions - and that was key. He missed on a bomb to an open RoJo in the first half, but his 3rd down scramble and throw to PTurner for the game clinching first down on SC's last possession was clutch. Grade: B minus

RB/FB - Chauncey Washington had the game of a lifetime - 29 carries for 220 yards, 7.4 ypc. SC had to run the ball well, and C-Dub carried the team even after a big fumble at the goal line . Stafon Johnson also picked up a key first down in the second half, as well as scored the winning TD on a 3 yard scamper. SHavili caught a short TD pass, but also dropped a gimme (what else is new). Grade: A minus

WR/TE - A bit of a quiet night, as the weather conditions dictated the game. But TE FDavis and WR PTurner came through with big catches in the second half. Grade: C +

OLine - A good night for these guys. SC ran the ball down CAL's throat even when they knew it was coming. They also kept Booty from being sacked. OT Butch Lewis is doing a good job in place of AA Sam Baker. Grade: A minus

Defense:

DLine - Not a whole of stats from this group - they faced an excellent OLine from CAL and a really good RB in Justin Forsett (171 yards rushing on the night) whom they were unable to trap in the backfield. Sedrick Ellis and LoJack had 6 and 5 tackles, respectively. Grade: C

LBs - Tough tackling night for these guys. Forsett's bowling ball - like running and the rainy conditions on turf made it difficult to wrap up and get good footing. TWilliams, BCushing and BMatthews each had a TFL, though. Grade: C minus

DBs - Very good performance. They gave up one pass TD and started off shaky tackling-wise, but once again held the explosive WR unit for CAL in check. TMays had (3) pass break-ups, while KEllison had an INT. CB TThomas came up with a huge INT and sack. Grade: B

Special Teams:

Kicker/Returns - RoJo put together two good kickoff returns to give SC excellent field position, while DBuehler nailed a 28 yarder. Grade: B

Coaching: The offensive coaches stuck with the running game which was exactly what they needed to do with this team, and in that ugly weather. Defensively, the coaches were able to rattle CAL's QB a few times with timely blitzes. And then SC's guys just made a few plays to win it. Grade: B

Game Balls:

* Offense - RB Choo Choo Washington

* Defense - CB Terrell Thomas

* Special Teams - KOR Ronald Johnson

Prediction Winner - Payback (the dude is unstoppable right now!)

Trojans Face CAL in Long-Awaited Battle

Well, it ain't the showdown we thought it would be.

No one predicted the Trojans and Bears would have a combined (5) losses by the time they faced one another this Saturday. But the game still holds huge ramifications for SC. A win keeps the door open for a possible 1st or more likely 2nd place finish in the Pac 10.

CAL comes into the game losers of 3 of their last 4 - the lone win coming last week in a squeaker over Wazzu 20 -17. The USC game represents the Bears last chance at a respectable victory in the 2007 regular season.

Here's the breakdown:

CAL

Offense - One of the biggest surprises of the year has been CAL's lackluster passing game. QB Nate Longshore has been mediocre with 11TDs and 8INTs on the year even with the best WR unit in the conference in Desean Jackson and Lavell Hawkins. A troublesome area for CAL's offense has been scoring in the Red Zone where they are ranked 9th in the Pac 10. The running game, though, has been very good with RB Justin Forsett hammering out 1000 yards over 9 games with a 4.8 ypc. The OLine is very stout - they've only given up 8 sacks in pass protection this year, while opening holes for Forsett to run through.

Defense - The defensive unit has been just okay. They rank "middle of the road" in nearly every defensive category within the conference, and give up 25 points per game. A weakness is the DLine pass pressure - CAL is last in the Pac 10 in sacks. The LBs are solid led by Anthony Felder and Worrell Williams - both of whom are ranked in the top five in tackles in the conference. The secondary is led by safety Thomas Decoud, and athletic cover man and sure tackler.

Special Teams - Desean Jackson is the most dangerous punt returner in the league, and has (1) TD this year. The field goal unit, however, is shaky - making only 60% of their tries with Jordan Kay handling the duties.

USC

Offense - The rules are simple for QBs playing on the road - no turnovers and keep your composure. QB J.D. Booty will be charged with these duties in Strawberry Canyon. The running game will need to be a big help - CWashington, SJohnson and JMcKnight need to have good ballgames. The OLine has the advantage vs. CAL's DLine which doesn't pass rush or play the run very well. TE Fred Davis may also create a favorable matchup with the CAL LBs who play the run well, but they are vulnerable in pass coverage.

Defense - It will be "trench-warfare" when SC's good DLine matches up against a really solid OLine for CAL. Pass rushing will be a challenge for the DLine, but so will stopping CAL's run game and RB Forsett. SC's LBs will have to tackle very well to keep Forsett from getting loose in the secondary - but they should do well - CAL's offense is very straight-forward. The DBs will also have a challenge with the Bear WRs. Will SC dare to go "man to man" often with WR Desean Jackson? It will be very interesting.

Special Teams - Every score will count on the road, so K David Buehler will have to continue to play well. And it would be nice to get a cheap score from the return men as CAL's coverage units are not that good.

Prediction Time:

USC - 30

CAL - 17

Click "COMMENTS" below to enter your prediction and game analysis.

USC Shuts Down Oregon State, 24 - 3

We'll take it . . . that's what everyone was saying as they left the Coliseum after the Trojans dispatched of the Oregon St. Beavers 24 - 3. It wasn't perfect, but it felt good to see the Trojans win convincingly for a change as the game was over by halftime.

Oregon St. was not a team to be taken lightly, even if they were missing a key to their offense (RB Yveson Bernard). And the Trojans didn't underestimate them, coming out aggressively defensively and avoiding killer mistakes on offense to start the "November Run" with a much needed victory.

Here's how the Trojans graded out:

Offense:

QB - The return of QB Booty to the offense was mixed. With (2) TD passes and no INTs, it represented exactly what the offense had to do. But he did have a fumble, and the offense scored zero points in the second half on a few missed opportunities to score, including one over-throw by Booty. Grade: C minus

RBs/FB - CWashington ran very well for 60 yards, and scored a TD on a screen play that we thought would work against OSU's heavy rush. SJohnson didn't get as many carries as thought, but he was productive. Joe McKnight got the most carries and had quite a few negative yards, while SHavili is really struggling with dropped passes. Grade: B minus

WRs/TE - This unit had another up and down night. FDavis and VHazleton had 5 catches apiece, and Turner came down with a nice TD catch. Once again, however, there were some dropped passes and sloppy routes running during the game. Grade: C minus

OLine - This unit did the job against a very aggressive pass rushing and run stopping Beaver defense. They only gave up two sacks, and one of those was QB Booty's fault. And 100 yards rushing may not seem like much, but its double what the Beavs normally give up. So they can improve, but the running holes were apparent for CWashington many times. Grade: B

Defense:

DLine - Well, we posted before the game that this group could pitch a shut out . . . and they almost did. A great game for the DLine as EGriffen dominated his man for (3.5) sacks. The rest of the group helped to hold the Beavs to less than 100 yards rushing and passing. Grade: A

LBs - Solid game from this unit. They jumped in on the sack parade, and really only had one bad play - missed tackles on a 50 yard run on OSU's first possession. Cushing, Rivers and Maualuga combined for 17 tackles, while TWilliams was particularly active with a sack and a broken up pass. Grade: B

DBs - Ask for an INT . . . and ye shall receive one. CB Terrell Thomas jumped a pass route for an INT and led a DB unit that contributed to a total of (8) broken up passes. And it was good to see CB Shareece Wright playing at full strength again. Grade: B+

Special Teams - DBuehler missed a long FG attempt, but nailed another. The punting needs to improve under Woidneck - 36 ypp - and he can't seem to nail one inside the 10 yard line. The return game was solid.

Grade: C

Coaching - SC's gameplan offensively was good for the Beavs' very aggressive front (7). Missed opportunities in the form of dropped passes and overthrows, though, caused SC to put up a goose egg in the second half. However, they need to run more sweeps with McKnight and Johnson, because they pick up 8 - 10 yards almost every time they do. The defensive plan was executed nearly flawlessly. They took advantage of OSU QB Canfield's slow reads with man coverage by the DBs - and that allowed the SC's front seven to get pressure to the tune of 9 sacks.

Grade: B

Game Balls:

* Offense - RB Chauncey Washington

* Defense - CB Terrell Thomas and DE Everson Griffen

* Special Teams - KR Ronald Johnson

Prediction Winner - Payback (the dude is on a roll)

Oregon St. Visits the Coliseum

Its back to work for the Trojans as the OSU Beavers come to town riding a three game winning streak. The Beavers are a solid team, especially defefensively, and they present a solid test for a Trojan team trying to right the ship heading into the November stretch run.

Here's the run-down on the matchup.

Oregon State

Offense - The Beavers QB Sean Canfield has had an up and down year. He led the team to a big win over CAL, but has been inconsistent in other games. He has 8 TD passes, but 13 INTs on the year. The Beavs best player, RB Yveson Bernard, is questionable for this game due to a shoulder sprain. He's third in the Pac 10 in rushing and the Beavs' offense revolves around him, so it would be a huge loss if he's unable to go. The Beavs lost their best WR for the year (Sammy Stroughter) so they turn to TE Howard Croom to move the ball through the air lately.

Defense - The strength of the team, this "No Name" defense ranks 2nd in the Pac 10, and leads the conference in sacks (33 in 8 games!) Plus, the OSU run defense is number one in the Pac 10 only allowing 54 yards per game. The pass rush comes from the edges as OSU has three DEs in the top ten in sacks in the conference this year. In addition, the Beavs get very solid LB play from the underrated pair of Joey LaRoque and Derrick Doggett. LaRoque spends a lot of time in the opponents' backfield with (8.5) tackles for loss. DBs Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes lead the back four unit, combining for 5 INTs between them.

Special Teams - Alexis Serna is a solid (seems like 15th year) FG kicker for the Beavs. The return game, however, has been ineffective since the loss of Sammy Stroughter - the team ranks 9th and 10th in KO and Punt returns, respectively.

USC Trojans

Offense - This game will be won in the trenches. OSU can stop the run and rush the passer. OTs DRadovich and BLewis will have to bring their "A" game as OSU's pass rush is really productive off the edges. JD Booty returns and will have to be sharp in the passing game because OSU loads the box to stop the run, but gives the QB very little time to pass. We could see even more of those WR hitch passes to escape that pressure - but also look for SC to use stop and go routes to WRs and RB screen passes to make OSU pay for selling out at the line of scrimmage. Stafon Johnson is back for a big role in the running game, so it will be interesting to see if he has any holes.

Defense - How much more can this unit do? Well, the DBs could get some INTs from the Beavs inconsistent QB. The Beav offense is pretty vanilla, so the SC defense could pitch a "shutout" if they are on their game. But it will be a struggle once again if offensive turnovers, penalties and punts keep them on the field all night long. NT SEllis and SS Kevin Ellison are playing AA ball right now.

Special Teams - DBuehler has been solid all year, and so have the coverage teams. Plus Joe McKnight and RoJo are settling in to their duties as punt and kickoff returners. Sooner or later, they'll deliver some long returns.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

OSU - 10

Ducks Quack on SC, 24 - 17

Broke . . . busted . . . and disgusted. That's the only way to describe the USC Trojans as they shot themselves in the foot over and over again in Autzen Stadium on the way to a 24 - 17 loss.

The Trojans had opportunities, but were unable to capitalize on most of them that came their way.

In the biggest game of the year, the Trojans acted like a duck (especially offensively) . . . and laid an egg.

We'll name this grade session - Reality Bites . . .

Offense:

QB - Mark Sanchez faced his toughest test and had a few good moments and respectable stats - 26 - 41 for 277 yards and (2) TDs. But missed reads and (2) INTs in the second half killed SC drives to tie the game. When you are on the road, you can't turn the ball over, especially in the red zone. Grade: D+

RBs/FBs - SC had one of its lowest rushing outputs of the season at the wrong time - only 101 yards, averaging 3 yards per carry. That won't get it done. And to add insult to injury, FB Havili coughed up the ball in the red zone. Inexcusable. Grade: F

WRs/TE - Big game (finally) for the WR unit. They benefited from the extra attention the Duck defense paid to TE Fred Davis. PTurner came alive for 7 catches for 107 yards and a nice TD, plus Hazleton added 8 catches and Ausberry had a TD catch. Grade: B +

OLine - Talk about not "stepping up". This unit did nothing but hurt the Trojans - from Chilo Rachal's dumb personal foul on the opening drive after a Duck turnover to Drew Radovich's holding penalty that called back a 60 yard TD run - the mistakes were devastating. Grade: F

Defense:

DLine - Sedrick "The Beast" Ellis is putting together one of the great years in recent memory - (12) tackles with 2 TFLs and a sack is incredible activity from a nose tackle. LoJack posted another (11) tackles. The unit helped hold the best offense in the country to season lows in points, rushing and total offense. Grade: B

LBs - A mixed game for this unit. They made some mistakes reading the ball fakes the Duck spread option offense presents. But they were active with (31) tackles among the starting guys - Rivers, Maualuga and Cushing. Grade: C +

DBs - This group played a solid game. The Ducks only had 157 yards passing for under 10 yards per catch. Safeties Ellison and Mays combined for (17) tackles and (2) TFLs. Grade: B

Special Teams

Kickers/Returners - Kicker DBuehler was solid with a 30 yard FG, and he banged a couple of KOs for touchbacks. Punter Woidneck didn't have a great average (36 yards), but did have a punt downed inside the 20. The return game didn't make any big plays, but they didn't make any mistakes either. Grade: C+

Coaching - This was a huge game going into a hostile environment against a very good team. The offensive coaches nursed the offense along, but couldn't overcome key turnover mistakes with a great call or two. The defensive side did what they wanted to do - Oregon had no big plays - and were held in check points-wise. But they weren't able to force QB Dixon into any mistakes like they have in the past. Grade: C minus

Game Balls - None (SC lost . . . no soup for anyone!)

Prediction Winner - None (SC lost . . . but Payback picked the final score in reverse)