USC Trojans avenges last year’s loss to Oregon State Beavers
Oct 24, 2009
The Trojans of USC had to fight to win this contest againstthe Oregon State Beavers but in a final offensive drive they were able to do just that with a 42-36 victory. Usually the USC defense has to step up to cover for a soft offense.
Allen Bradford made the run-defense of Oregon State pay dearly while he rushed for a career-best 147 yards with two touchdowns. USC badly needed those scores to put the game barely out of reach after losing a nail biter last year to the Beavers 27-21.
Against Oregon State USC’s defense looked very soft giving up 482 yards. Even after Damian Williams seemed to have put the final nail into the Beaver coffin, the USC defense gave up TD drive that took less than two minutes giving Oregon State new life at 42-30. Then, with 5:41 left on the game clock, Jacquizz Rodgers scored on a 1-yard TD run making it 42-36. USC had to maintain ball control by converting on two third downs in the final few minutes of regulation.
USC’s soft defensive play allowed Sean Canfield to pass for 329 yards and three touchdowns on 30 of 43 passing. Jacquizz Rodgers, who played with a bum ankle, also had an impressive game with 113 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also had a touchdown reception.
The Trojans needed their special teams to squeak by with the win against Oregon State. Damian Williams’ punt return for a touchdown allowed for a little required breathing room. Matt Barkley threw for only 202 yards but did have two touchdown passes on 15-25 passing. However, he is still having trouble from the pocket. He threw two huge interceptions and is playing very inconsistently. He will have to play much better should the Trojans want a BCS invitation.
Still, with Allen Bradford having 143 yards rushing and Ronald Johnson having 99 yards receiving, the player of the game was Stafon Johnson. The USC tailback, who almost lost his life attempting to become a bigger, stronger specimen on the football field, made his return to the Coliseum before the game. Every fan in attendance gave him a standing ovation when he appeared on the scoreboard after the first quarter. Gladly, every football fan in America is on their feet welcoming him back to the game he loves.
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