USC tailback Javorius Allen is looking for redemption

Javorius Allen produced a breakout performance against Oregon State last season, but that is not the only reason USC’s junior tailback is looking forward to playing against the Beavers on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Allen, who rushed for 133 yards against Fresno State and a career-best 154 against Stanford , was limited to 31 yards in 15 carries in the Trojans’ loss at Boston College on Sept. 13.

“It’s very difficult,” he said Tuesday of having to wait two weeks to play again. “I feel like I always want to prove a point. ... It ate at me a little bit, but as a team we’ve put that behind us and we’ve moved on.”

Allen has rushed for 318 yards and a touchdown. He also has 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown.

Last season against Oregon State, Allen rushed for a then-career-best 133 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 41 yards.

Allen said the Trojans have learned from the Boston College experience.

“Come out swinging,” he said. “Come out hard. Don’t come out flat. Never get comfortable.”

Cody Kessler is consistent

Quarterback Cody Kessler does not plan to change much as the Trojans try to improve their record to 2-0 in the Pac-12 Conference.

“Just take what they give me on defense and not try to force anything or do too much,” he said.

Kessler has completed 71% of his passes, eight for touchdowns, with no interceptions or fumbles.

Oregon State ranks 10th nationally in pass defense, giving up 141.7 yards per game. The Beavers have five interceptions, have not given up a touchdown pass, and rank first in passing-efficiency defense.

“They don’t make a lot of mistakes,” Kessler said. “I just have to come out and continue to protect the ball and be smart.”

They adore him

Freshman Adoree’ Jackson’s role could grow.

Jackson, who plays cornerback, receiver and kick returner, was in for 52 plays against Fresno State, 36 against Stanford and 45 against Boston College, USC said.

The Trojans had an open date last week and Jackson took advantage of opportunities during bye-week workouts and practices this week.

“He’s earning more playing time that way,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I would imagine he’s probably going to play more than he’s played in the first three ballgames.”

Jackson has four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.

He has averaged 27 yards per kickoff return and has made three tackles.

Victor Blackwell doesn’t show

Junior receiver Victor Blackwell was absent from practice last week and also Monday and Tuesday.

Blackwell had three receptions for 54 yards in the opener against Fresno State but has not caught a pass since.

“He’s trying to decide, personally, what he wants to do,” Sarkisian said.

Quick hits

Tailback Tre Madden, sidelined all season because of a toe injury, ran and did agility drills. Sarkisian said the junior was moving closer to being cleared for full practice.

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USC leads in the series against Oregon State, 60-11-4.