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Beavers Offense Puts on a Show, But the Defense Can't Stop USC

10-26-2009 - The Oregon State offense put on a real show Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Beavers scored 7 times and missed a chip shot field goal that could have been eight scores while USC only scored on 6 possessions. But in the end it was once again USC that went home with the win and left the Beavers wondering, what if?

The first half at USC was a struggle for the Beavers offense to find points. The Beavers had over 200 of offense in the first half but scored only three field goals and missed a fourth. Meanwhile USC scored three touchdowns in 5 possessions.

In the second half the Beavers had their opportunities once again and did a better job in putting it into the end zone but they just could not overcome the 12 point margin from the first half and ended up on the short end of the score. The Beavers scored touchdowns on 4 of 5 second half possessions to continue to put pressure on USC and the Beavers defense just could not come up with the stops needed to get the Beavers the win. USC scored on 3 of 5 possessions in the second half.

A major factor in the lack of production in the first half was Quizz Rodgers went to the locker room with a bad ankle and missed the entire second quarter. You have got to believe, especially after how Quizz played in the second half after his return. That his presence on the field in the second quarter would have made a huge difference in the scoring for the Beavers and could have been the difference in the game. Even though Quizz only had like 18 yards in the first half he finished the game with 115 yards on 20 carries.

It was the best offensive show the Beavers have put on this season and as good as the offense was, the defense was just that bad. Several times the Beavers allowed USC to escape trouble and get a first down on third and long situations. If they had been able to contain Barkley and prevent drive sustaining first downs on third and long the outcome would have been different.

Another big factor in the game, especially in the first half were mental mistakes by the Beavers by making dumb penalties. One roughing the passer penalty cost the Beavers the ball after the pass was deflected and then intercepted in USC territory. That would have given the Beavers the ball deep in USC territory in the first quarter.

The Beavers return to Reser Stadium next week for Homecoming and UCLA. GO BEAVERS!

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Key	STATISTIC	OSU	USC	Advantage
.	Scoring Offense	36	42	USC
.	Pass Attempts	30/43=.698	15/25=.600	OSU
.	Passing Offense/YPC	329/11.0	202/13.5	OSU
.	Kickoff Returns	33.2	17.4	OSU
.	Punting	49.0	44.0	OSU
.	Turnover Margin	+1	-1	OSU
.	Rushing Attempts / YPC	34/4.5	33/6.9	USC
.	Rushing Offense	153	227	USC
.	Total Offense	482	429	OSU
.	Punt Return - PUNTS/YPR	0/0	2/34.0	USC
.	First Downs	22	22	TIE
.	Sacks	0	3	USC
.	Penalties	9/85	5/60	USC
.	Red Zone Offense	5/6	3/3	USC
.	3rd Down Conversions	7/15	6/9	USC
.	4th Down Conversions	1/1	0/0	OSU
.	Field Goals	3/4	0/0	OSU
.	Time of Possession	32.18	27.42	OSU
.	Totals	9 WINS	8 WINS	OSU

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