By Brian “Coach B” Arrington
Los Angeles, CA—You never want to believe that age old cliché in sports. You know the one, when people always say, “the final score in not indicative of the actual game.” Well the USC Trojans proved there is actually some merit to that cliché, pulling off a 38-10 victory over the visiting Oregon State Beavers (1-5), improving their record to 5-1 overall, and 3-1 in conference.
On this day, it would appear at kickoff that the Trojans had exactly what they needed. They were in the friendly confines of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, just south of the USC campus on a crisp fall day, clocking in at 96 degrees. The home fans were excited, the historic Coliseum was electric, with an announced attendance of 60,314 and the cheers of their iconic Fight On! chant heard in the air. USC iconic mascot, Traveler was in the wings, ready to handle his trademark trout around the Coliseum field with each Trojans score. Not to mention, the pre-season Heiman favorite, USC quarterback Sam Darnold and his fellow teammates had their loyal followers in awe, during just their pregame activities, well before the 1:00pm scheduled kickoff.
But, there was a feeling of concern as well handing over the Downtown LA landscape. This clearly was due to the fact that this game was being played after USC’s shocking 30-27 loss at the hands of Washington State, just the week previous at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington. A loss that snapped a 13-game winning streak, where the Trojans hadn’t lost a game since, September 2016, collecting a Rose Bowl victor along the way. Many in the media predicted the Trojan would fall to Washington State, as many considered the game, a “trap” game, on an unusual Friday night. Adding to the concern of Trojans faithful, is the fact that Darnold had compiled an unflattering 8 interceptions in only five games played, compared to only 9 interceptions the entire season, just a year ago.
But back to our current contest, what began as a fast start for the USC Trojan, easily putting up 14-0 on their first two drives, came to a screeching and unpleasant halt. En route to the early lead, scores came in from Tyler Vaughns on a 37 yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold at the 11:29 mark in the first quarter; and a 4 yard run by Ronald Jones at the 8:49 mark.
It was at this point that the offense would stall due to miscues and uncharacteristic mistakes, for a team that started the year ranked #4 in the nation. The first of two huge Trojan mistakes, coming after USC forced a punt, Ajene Harris would be deep to receive the punt, which was fumbled, and recovered by Oregon State’s Omar Hicks—Onu. Oregon State would get prime field position, with that ball at USC 30, but would not be able to capitalize, missing a field goal.
The errors for USC were not over yet. When USC take over on offense, Darnold would have an unforced error, fumbling on his on 23 yard line, the ball would then be recovered by Oregon State’s Bright Ugwoegbu. Again, Oregon State would not capitalize, missing another point blank field goal. But their effort would eventually be rewarded, as Oregon State’s Jordan Choukair would finally connect on a field goal at the 14:17 mark in the second quarter, after the OSU offense stalled. USC would go on to add another score, in the second quarter, with Darnold hitting Deonta Burnett for a 16 yard touchdown pass, at the 10:01 mark.
After the break, USC would respond with a physical and bruising 9-play drive, moving the ball 91 yards, eating up 3:47 minute of clock, to punch in a score, with Darnold hitting Josh Falo for a 30 yard touchdown pass at the 8:57 mark. The score would give the Trojans the 28-3 lead.
But unfazed by the score, Oregon State would respond early in the 4th quarter and punch in a strong 6 yard touchdown run by Artavis Pierce to bring the score to a more respectable, 28-10. The final two scored, that essentially put the game away came with a Chase McGarth 29 yard field goal at the 10:45 mark and a Matt Fink (Rancho Cucamonga, Glendora HS) 51 yard quarterback keeper at the 6:19 mark, both scores coming in the fourth quarter.
As mentioned, USC has some issues, with a schedule that doesn’t get any easier. Critical conference games include a key match ups with Pac 12 South foe, the Utah Utes, as well as rivals Notre Dame and UCLA. Yes, Darnold went 24-36 and put a gritty 328 yard passing; and always reliable Ronald Jones clocked in 79 yards rushing, with 17 receiving with 1 rushing touchdown. But, if USC hopes to win any of their upcoming games, and have any shot at the playoffs or another Rose Bowl, they can’t have another performance like this, with Darnold give up two fumbles and an interception.
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