University Southern California Trojans
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No. 14 USC Football Returns Home To Host Oregon State
October 01, 2017 | Football, Features
*After a 2-week road trip, No. 14 USC--looking to bounce back from its first loss of 2017--returns home to begin October play by hosting Oregon State, a team trying to break its own 3-game losing skid.
*For the second week in a row, the Trojans are facing a league opponent that they haven't met the previous 2 years due to the Pac-12 scheduling rotation.
*Although Troy holds a decided edge in its series with OSU, the Beavers have won 3 of the past 7 meetings. But Oregon State hasn't won in the Coliseum since 1960 (that's 23 USC wins in a row in L.A.).
*Although USC's 13-game winning streak was snapped last week with its narrow late loss at Washington State, the Trojans have won their last 12 home games.
*Head coach Clay Helton's Trojans are banged up, as 7 normal starters (6 on offense, including 3 linemen) missed all or most of the WSU contest. Troy will aim to get back on track offensively, especialy in yardage output, third down efficiency and short yardage situations. Heisman Trophy candidate QB Sam Darnold, who is 13-2 as a starter, has entered the school's all-time Top 10 passing chart. TB Ronald Jones II, who is nearing the Trojan career rushing Top 10 list after his third 100-yard game of 2017 last week, is among the national leaders in rushing and scoring. Dependable WR Deontay Burnett ranks high nationally in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs, while WR Tyler Vaughns is starting to break out. USC's defense, which posted 5 sacks at WSU, is looking to tighten up a bit and get off the field quicker. ILB Cameron Smith (the team's tackle leader), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (who is knocking down nearly 2 passes a game) and disruptive DLs Rasheem Green and Christian Rector are leading the defense. A pair of walk-on specialists--true freshman PK Chase McGrath and P Reid Budrovich--are in the national Top 20 in field goal percentage and punting, respectively.
*Head coach Gary Anderson's Oregon State squad has lost its past 3 games, including at home to Washington on Saturday. QB Darell Garretson took over 2 games ago for injury QB Jake Luton. RB Ryan Nall--who is nearing 2,000 career rushinjg yards, including 8 games with 100-plus yards--is the Beavers' top ground gainer, while leading receivers include WRs Jordan Villamin--who has almost 2,000 career receiving yards--and Isaiah Hodgins and TE Noah Togiai. Top OSU defenders are ILBs Manase Hungalu and Jonathan Willis and Ss David Morris and Jalen Moore and ILB.
*The game will be shown live on Pac-12 Network.
