USC VS. OREGON STATE

* Time: 7 p.m.

* Site: Coliseum

* Television: Fox Sports West 2

* Radio: AM 690, 1540

THE OFFENSES

USC can throw the ball to R. Jay Soward, just hand it to him or have him take it on a kickoff or a punt, and that’s plenty of offense right there. The questions for the Trojans today are how close to full speed tailback Chad Morton will be while hampered by a back strain, and how the line manages with guard Jason Grain doing emergency duty at center. Oregon State has a new left-handed quarterback in Terrance Bryant, and freshman running back Ken Simonton has two straight 100-yard games.

THE DEFENSES

USC hasn’t given up a point in the second half this season. Middle linebacker Chris Claiborne already has 20 tackles, two sacks and an interception. Oregon State’s defense hasn’t allowed any more points than USC’s, however, giving up six against Nevada and 17 against Baylor.

*

Keys to the game: USC’s speed figures to be decisive again, but keep an eye on the center exchange when USC has the ball. If Grain and the quarterbacks aren’t in sync, fumbles could spell trouble.

*

Fast fact: Oregon State Coach Mike Riley is one of four former USC head coaches or assistants the Trojans play this year. San Diego State Coach Ted Tollner, Arizona State Coach Bruce Snyder and UCLA Coach Bob Toledo are the others.

*

Line: USC by 14.

NOTES / Hackett Blames Penalties on Offense’s Lack of Poise

High on USC’s list of things to do today is cutting down on penalties.

Last week against San Diego State the Trojans were penalized 15 times for 114 yards, and had particular problems with false starts.

They had only seven penalties for 47 yards against Purdue.

“What happened to us was we did not have the poise on the offensive side that we had [against Purdue],” Coach Paul Hackett said.

*

Chad Morton won’t start but will play, and he will continue to receive treatment for his strained back through today after practicing only one day this week.

*

Oregon State’s quarterback gets good reviews from USC reserve tailback Jabari Jackson, a redshirt junior who played with Terrance Bryant at City College of San Francisco.

“I think he’s an awesome quarterback,” Jackson said. “He’s a lefty with a real strong arm, he’s real fast, can run, and is a good athlete and a tall quarterback [6 feet 2].”

*

Both teams have intriguing kickers.

Oregon State’s Jose Cortez is two for four in field-goal tries this season--and the ones he made were from 50 and 51 yards.

USC kicker Adam Abrams’ streak of 12 successful field-goal attempts ended against San Diego State, when he missed from 39, 29 and 44 yards.

Last year against Oregon State, Abrams made three field goals, his most in one game.

“I’ve been through all the highs and lows. I’ve started 30-something games,” said Abrams, who said he kicked well most of the week even though he missed two Thursday. “I’m just looking forward to getting out and putting it behind me. My confidence hasn’t changed at all.”

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--*

USC Oregon State 31 Scoring 37.5 11.5 Points allowed 11.5 203.5 Passing 213.5 169 Rushing 143 372.5 Total offense 356.5 171 Passing defense 141 118 Rushing defense 151.5 289 Total defense 292.5

*--*