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The Pac-12 fined USC $25,000 after discovering that one of its student managers deflated game balls. The Pac-12 accepted the discipline by the Trojans, and stated that "our paramount goal is to provide a safe and fair competitive environment for our student-athletes, their teams and their fans."
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said that although some footballs had to be inflated back to regulation level at halftime, all footballs in the second half complied with NCAA standards.
Deflated footballs are easier to throw and would've probably made it easier for Matt Barkley to connect with his wide receivers and improve the aerial offense. Barkley completed 35 of 54 passes for 484 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions against the Ducks.
Deflated footballs didn't do anything to hurt Oregon's offense either, as it exploded for a record-level performance. USC had never given up more points and yards in school history than it did Saturday night in Los Angeles.