Reser Stadium at 6 p.m. PT on ESPN2 and WatchESPN
Beaver to Watch: Junior WR Brandin CooksWhile Sean Mannion runs the show for the nation's top passing offense, Brandin Cooks is the key. He leads the country with 157 receiving yards per game, 85 catches and 13 touchdown grabs (tied with Fresno State's Davante Adams). USC S Dion Bailey summed up the Beavers' attack saying, "[Mannion] finds Cooks. Cooks comes down with it. That's their offense." He is also a dangerous punt returner and runner.
Click here for more on the Beavers.
3 Keys
Tricks Would Treat
The USC offense had five scoring drives last week, but four of them ended in field goals. The Trojans will need touchdowns to beat the Beavers on the road, so the solution is either increased red zone efficiency or big plays. Clay Helton will stick with a balanced attack, but a trick or two could unlock the explosive nature of this offense. Marqise Lee's potential return would be a nice boost as well.
Holster that Chainsaw
This week at practice, Ed Orgeron pumped in noise to simulate a raucous Reser Stadium, including the signature chainsaw sound effect played ad nauseam throughout every game. In the Trojans last three losses at Oregon State, they fell into early holes leading to failed comebacks (2006 and 2008) and a blowout (2010). USC must start fast to quiet the home folks and slow the tempo down to a physical grind, which suits the Trojans more than the Beavers.
Make Mannion Move
While Oregon State averages 420 pass yards per game, the Beavers are entirely one-dimensional. They rank 124 out of 125 in rushing offense at only 66 yards per game. Mike Riley's offense has attempted 404 passes (USC has thrown 222 by comparison). With the game plan that obvious, Clancy Pendergast's pass rushers can pin their ears back in pursuit of the quarterback. Stanford racked up 8 sacks in the win at Oregon State last week. USC's front five will be the key to a victory.
The last win in Corvallis.
