Oregon State bounced back from a loss to the Washington State Cougars last weekend, trouncing the USC Trojans in Corvallis, 36-7. Just one week after an uninspired performance against the Cougs, Oregon State came out firing, dominating the Trojans in every facet of the game. USC not only lost game, but also lost starting quarterback Matt Barkley to an apparent ankle injury at the end of the first half.
The dam broke for the Beavers early in the second quarter when Barkley dropped back and was intercepted by Jordan Poyer. Kahut jumped an out route, racing 65 yards for the score. Jacquizz Rodgers added a three yard touchdown run and the rout was on. Oregon State kicker Justin Kahut added three field goals for the Beavers.
Ryan Katz played well for the Beavers, completing 17 of 24 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers carried the load for Oregon State, rushing for 127 and a touchdown on 26 carries. Rodgers also lead the Beaver receivers with seven catches for 43 yards. Jordan Bishop and Joe Halahuni both caught touchdowns for OSU.
Barkley was having an off-night before going down with an injury. In one half of play, the USC sophomore threw for only 75 yards and an interception. Mitch Mustain took the reigns in the second half and reminded everyone why he became a punter, completing eight of 17 passes for 60 yards. C.J Gable led the Trojans on the ground with 57 yards and a touchdown, the only time USC found the end zone. Ronald Johnson led all receivers with 45 yards on five catches.
USC, after returning to the AP Top-25 this week, fell to 7-4 with the loss. Oregon State improved to 5-5, just one win away from bowl eligibility. USC hosts the Notre Dame Fighting Irish next Saturday while Oregon State travels to Palo Alto to take on the No. 6 Stanford Cardinal.