The return of John David Booty to the helm of the offense (with the expanded playbook which accompanies him), combined with the emergence of a much more confident group of receivers, who seemed to have earned the confidence of their coaches and fans with strong performances against Notre Dame and Oregon, should give the Trojans a good chance to beat the defensively-sturdy Beavers today.

However, it’s a scary week to be without left tackle Sam Baker, as Oregon State features three players – Slade Norris, Victor Butler and Dorian Smith – in the top 10 of the Pac-10 in sacks. The Beavers also lead the conference in total sacks with an impressive 33. Pete Carroll is 20 - 0 in November games at SC, and he’ll have to continue that streak to avoid a dismal, pre-January bowl game fate. A surprising number of writers (including Mark Saxon of the OC Register) are picking the Beavers to spring the upset today despite a current 15.5 spread in the Trojans’ favor (as if anyone finds comfort in Vegas lines when it comes to SC after the Stanford game collapse).

Statistics for both teams, and additional articles: TrojanUpdate’s Game Preview: USC-Oregon State

There’s no need to be cocky (LA Times)
Receivers may finally be catching on (LA Times)
Trojans are down to ‘grind time’ (LA Daily News)
No revenge here for USC (Orange County Register)
Oregon State at No. 13 USC (The Press-Enterprise)
USC facing must-win game (The Press-Enterprise)
Refocusing the Lens (Daily Trojan)
No. 13 USC shooting for another strong finish starting against Beavers (AP via San Jose Mercury News)