USC Trojans conquers Oregon State Beavers to get back on the right track

The word I would best use to describe Oregon State's performance is _____________ because _____________. The word I would best use to describe USC's performance is _____________ because _____________.

Trace Travers: I'd say the word for the Beavers is flat. Sean Mannion didn't look like himself and the Beavers didn't score an offensive touchdown against a USC team that was run over by Boston College their last time out. USC's word is recovery. This is a solid win where they played great defense and didn't allow a repeat of their last performance.

Roy Stenlund: The word I would use to describe Oregon State's performance is sleepy, because they never seemed to wake up during this game. The word I would use to describe USC is relieved, because no one was sure how they would respond after losing to Boston College.

Check out the box score. What were the key stats of the game to you?

Trace Travers: No offensive touchdowns for Oregon State. I figured with USC's vulnerability in defending the run Oregon State could've run wild. That was not the case.

Roy Stenlund: The stat that jumps out to me is 181 yards of offense for Oregon State. What a pitiful performance.

What was the most impressive part of Oregon State's performance and why? What was the most concerning part of their performance?

Trace Travers: The kick return was nice, but the passing game going awry isn't good, sitting at a 42% completion rate.

Roy Stenlund: Oregon State really had a stinker in this game. They did nothing to impress me in this game. No offense, no defense, no energy. Just a bad game overall.

What was the most impressive part of USC's performance and why? What was the most concerning part of their performance?

Trace Travers: Efficient days for Cody Kessler and Buck Allen are needed, along with the defensive performance. Losing contain on the kick return is an issue, but a very fixable one.

Roy Stenlund: This was a nice little win for the Trojans. They needed to rebound after the loss to BC and they did. A nice job overall.

I would grade Oregon State's September a(n)  ____________________ because __________________________.

Trace Travers: In Harry Potter grading, I'm going with I for incomplete. The Beavers hadn't played anyone of note and I'm not sure that they can represented by their performance in this game. Sean Mannion is better than he looked on Saturday.

Roy Stenlund: I would give Oregon State a solid B+ for September. No, they didn't do anything flashy, but they took care of business. They are known for their slow September starts, and overcame that issue this year.

I would grade USC's September a(n)  ____________________ because __________________________.

Trace Travers: I'll give the Trojans an A for acceptable. Hopefully Boston College was an aberration, and if the Trojans play solid defense like they did on Saturday and against Stanford, they can take on anybody. I'd just worry about their lack of depth.

Roy Stenlund: I'd give the Trojans an A- for their grade in September. They stumbled against Boston College, but took care of business against Stanford. When you consider the struggles Washington has had with their new coach, USC is looking very good.