Robinson Welcomes Some Big Breaks

Football can be a game of inches, but for USC the last two weeks, it has been a game of feet.

Three missed field goals by Notre Dame’s Jim Sanson and a partially deflected 36-yard attempt by Oregon’s Joshua Smith in the final seconds Saturday have given the Trojans back-to-back victories and a winning record.

“We were lucky to get out of that,” USC Coach John Robinson said after the Oregon game. “But luck is part of this game.”

USC’s Adam Abrams has been perfect since surviving a challenge for his job after the California game and is five for six on field-goal attempts this season--including his game-winning field goal against Notre Dame.

Adam Rendon, the Trojans’ long-range specialist, is 0 for 2, with both attempts from beyond 40 yards, the second a 47-yard kick on USC’s final possession of the first half Saturday.

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When the Trojans were held to only a field goal in the second half against Oregon, it marked the fifth time in seven games this season USC has failed to score a touchdown after halftime. . . . USC’s rushing average has improved to 124.4 yards a game, ranking 80th among 112 Division I-A schools. USC ranks 12th in rushing defense, giving up 95.6 yards a game. . . . After seven sacks against Oregon, USC has more in seven games (32) than it did all last season (29). . . . Rover David Gibson, who moved into the starting lineup this week, has been USC’s leading tackler the past two games with 22. He had three sacks and two forced fumbles against Oregon.

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Washington

WHERE: Husky Stadium

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)