By Garin Turner
#7 USC Trojans played its closest game of the season thus far defeating Oregon State 17-14. The win moves USC to 4-0 and 2-0 in the Pac 12. Oregon State falls to 3-1 and 0-1 in Pac 12 play.
The Trojan defense played a huge role in the win forcing four Chance Nolan interceptions. Ceyair Wright (one tackle), Mekhi Blackmon (three tackles), Max Williams (eight tackles), and Eric Gentry (eight tackles) all picked off Nolan. USC now has 11 interceptions on the season.
Despite the stellar play on defense, the Trojan offense struggled in this one being down 7-3 at halftime. It’s the first time this year USC has trailed. The Beavers scored first in the second quarter when Deshaun Fenwick (11 carries, 29 yards) ran in from four yards out. USC would kick a field goal with 5:38 left in the half.
USC would take the lead for the first time early in the fourthwhen Travis Dye (19 carries, 133 yards) scored on a seven-yardrun for a 10-7 lead. The Beavers would take the lead back 14-10 on a Jam Griffin (12 carries, 84 yards) 18-yard run.
USC would avoid the upset bid when Caleb Williams (16/36, 180 yards) found Jordan Addison (three receptions for 42 yards) for a 21-yard score with 1:13 left in the game. The final score came on an 11-play, 84-yard drive. Addison has six touchdowns on the season on 21 receptions and 337 yards. Although not his best game this season, Williams has already thrown for 1,054 yards on 80/122 attempts and nine touchdowns with zero interceptions.
UP NEXT
USC: Will host Arizona State next Saturday night.
Oregon State: Will be on the road next Saturday against Utah.
