Oregon State (1-4, 0-2 Pac-12) at No. 14 Southern California (4-1, 2-1), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network) Line: USC by 34. Series record: USC leads 61-11-4. WHAT’S AT STAKE The Trojans will try to bounce back from a 30-27
Oregon State (1-4, 0-2 Pac-12) at No. 14 Southern California (4-1, 2-1), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
Line: USC by 34.
Series record: USC leads 61-11-4.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Trojans will try to bounce back from a 30-27 loss at No. 11 Washington State, which ended a 13-game winning streak dating back to last season. QB Sam Darnold played his worst game since taking over as the starter, throwing for 164 yards and one interception. But USC is still in good shape to win the Pac-12 South and get back in the College Football Playoff mix, provided it avoids additional injuries and losses. The Beavers have lost four games against FBS opposition by a total of 200-71.
KEY MATCHUP
OT Toa Lobendahn and USC’s beaten-up offensive line vs. the Oregon State defensive front seven. Lobendahn spent four days in the hospital last week getting treated for a skin infection that kept the left tackle out against the Cougars, but will return to the lineup Saturday. USC will need the veteran’s presence, as right guard Viane Talamaivao is out with a potentially serious pulled muscle in his chest and right tackle Chuma Edoga (ankle) is questionable. Oregon State has an experienced front seven, headlined by DE Manase Hungalu and his team-leading 3.5 tackles for loss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon State: WR Jordan Villamin. Starting QB Jake Luton is out with a thoracic spine fracture and now RB Ryan Nall (left ankle) isn’t expected to play. Villamin will have to deliver a career-defining performance for the Beavers to have any chance of upsetting USC.
USC: WR Tyler Vaughns. The redshirt freshman is asserting himself as one of Darnold’s top targets. Vaughns had six receptions for 89 yards against Washington State.
FACTS & FIGURES
USC has won 23 straight against Oregon State in Los Angeles. Oregon State’s last win at the Coliseum was in 1960. … Oregon State has scored touchdowns on nine of 10 red zone possessions this season. … After missing his first career field-goal attempt, USC freshman walk-on Chase McGrath is 7 for 7 with a long of 46 yards. … USC has won 12 consecutive home games and has not lost a home game with Clay Helton as interim or head coach.
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