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| Kessler had a big game. Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro/ USA Today Sports |
By: Michael Hanley
Su'a Cravens got the Trojans out of their early doldrums with a 31 yard interception returned for a touchdown and gave USC a 7-0 lead. It was a well timed pick by cravens who read Mannion's pass perfectly and was able to cleanly snag it and stroll into the end zone.
Oregon State would not be down for long as they got a 97 yard kickoff return from Ryan Murphy to even the score at 7-7. It got the Beavers back on solid footing and took all the momentum the Trojans has gathered on that pick six completely away from them.
Beavers had a start and stop kind of drive as they were able to make enough plays to setup a 38 yard field goal attempt by their kicker Trevor Romaine, who smoothly nailed it and gave Oregon State their first lead of the night at 10-7.
USC's offense would counter again with this time a methodical, efficient drive that took them 60 yards in 8 plays, which was capped off by a 16 yard touchdown pass from Kessler to Justin Davis and a 14-10 lead. Kessler would have a solid game as he finished 24/32 for 261 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Off a tipped ball created by Adoree' Jackson, Leon McQuay was in the right place at the right time in the corner of the left side of the end zone to pick off the pass and kill a promising Oregon State drive just before halftime.
Was has become tradition each week in the Pac 12, a Hail Mary was answered. This time Darreus Rogers of USC was the recipient of this Hail Mary from Cody Kessler, as he cleanly caught the ball as time expired in the first half to bolster the Trojans lead to 21-10, which would be the halftime lead.
Though it was a sluggish half at times for the Trojans, they managed to build a double digit lead thanks to not only some effective drives on offense but also defense and special teams chipping in with touchdowns of their own and solid overall play.
The Beavers played better than what the score indicated. They were competitive as they stayed with the Trojans for most of the half. Sean Mannion was not his sharpest, but battled through his inconsistency and led the Beavers to some key scoring drives to hang around in this game.
The second half started off on a rocky note for Oregon State as opening drive stalled out and could not grab any early momentum. The USC defense continued to get pressure on Sean Mannion time and again, forcing him to be uncomfortable in the pocket and throwing his timing of his throws way off. Mannion would finish a rough 15/32 for 132 yards and two interceptions.
Buck Allen got it going as he helped wear down the Beavers defense which suffered some key injuries during the game to their defensive tackle position. He had a 17 yard rushing touchdown to extend the Trojans lead to 28-10 in the 4th quarter as USC took firm control of this game.
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