USC Knocks Off Oregon State Winning 31-14
Video by David Bessin
USC defeated the Oregon State Beavers in Corvallis for the first time since 2004. With the win the Trojans snap a three-game road losing streak in Oregon, and become bowl eligible. Running back Javorius Allen ran for 133 yards and three touchdowns as USC defeated Oregon State 31-14.
Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion set the tempo early completing a big 31 yard pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but USC's defense responded. Stopping them on 3rd down the Beavers set up for a 46 yard field goal that was blocked by defensive end Leonard Williams. On the Trojans first play of the first drive QB Cody Kessler connected with WR Marqise Lee for a 71 yard touchdown.
USC had 489 total yards on offense thanks to big performances by Lee and Allen. Lee returned from a knee injury and finished with five catches, 105 yards and one touchdown. Lee wasn't the only one making plays on offense Kessler was 17 of 21 for 247 yards. On the ground, aside from a big game from Allen, running back Silas Redd ran for 140 yards.
Mannion who went into the game leading the nation with an average of 408 yards passing was kept to only 277 yards. He was also intercepted three times. Mannion also only connected with Cooks six times. Cooks had the only offensive touchdown of the game on a 27-yard pass from Mannion. Cooks finished with six receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown.
USC went into the half 21-14 and continued their offensive success in the second half. The Trojans opened up the third quarter with a 34-yard field goal kick by Andre Heidari. Oregon State tried to respond with a 26-yard field goal attempted, but it went wide left. As USC marched down the field again Allen ran in with a 52-yard touchdown to seal the Trojans victory.
Due to changes in Pac-12 scheduling USC and Oregon State had not met since 2010. In their last meeting the Beavers defeated the Trojans 28-20. With this win USC redeems itself in Oregon, and improves to 6-3 and 3-2 in the Pac-12. Interim head coach Ed Orgeron gets his third win, and looks to keeps USC bowl chances alive as they face CAL on Nov. 9.
