College Sports

No. 7 Trojans head north to face the determined Beavers

Posted September 22, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

No. 7 USC (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) at Oregon State (3-0, 0-0), Saturday, 9:30 p.m. ET (Pac-12)

Line: USC by 5 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: USC leads 63-12-4.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Under new coach Lincoln Riley, No. 7 USC is quickly putting last season behind them. One more win and they'll match their total from 2021. The Trojans have scored 40 or more points in each of their first three games this season. Oregon State has started the season at 3-0 for the first time since 2014. The Beavers haven't started a season 4-0 since 2012.

KEY MATCHUP

USC quarterback Caleb Williams has thrown for eight touchdowns and is averaging 291.3 yards passing per game. Oregon State has six interceptions so far this season, tied for eighth-best nationally. In the opener against Boise State, the Beavers' defense had five total takeaways. Jaydon Grant forced a fumble, had an interception, broke up two passes and recorded four tackles against the Broncos.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

USC: WR Jordan Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff winner who transferred from Pitt, leads the Trojans - and shares the Pac-12 lead - with five touchdown catches this season. A dynamic receiver, he has 18 receptions for 295 yards.

Oregon State: WR Anthony Gould had a breakout game against Montana State, catching a pair of touchdown passes and returning a punt 80 yards for another score. He is the first player in the nation this season to catch a TD pass and return a punt for a score, and the first Beaver to accomplish the feat since 2008.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave, who had 169 receiving yards through the first two games, is expected to miss his second straight game with an unspecified injury. ... The Beavers have won seven straight games at Reser Stadium. ... Oregon State won its first game against USC in Los Angeles in more than 60 years last season, a 45-27 victory. ... The Trojans have scored 152 points through the first three games this season, most since 2005. ... USC's offense averages 50.7 points a game, Oregon State's averages 45.7. ... Oregon State has allowed just two sacks this season.

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Southern California tight end Malcolm Epps, left, can't get to a pass in the end zone as Fresno State defensive back Evan Williams defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams, left, celebrates his touchdown with tight end Lake McRee, center, and running back Austin Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press

Oregon State quarterback Chance Nolan throws a pass against Montana State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer) The Associated Press

Oregon State's Silas Bolden, left, celebrates with Jaden Robinson after a kick return during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Montana State in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer) The Associated Press

Oregon State wide receiver Anthony Gould is lifted by offensive lineman Jake Levengood after scoring a touchdown against Montana State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer) The Associated Press

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