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