THE LOCALS

By DAVID WHARTON

Sept. 29, 2000 12 AM PT

No. 8 USC (3-0) at Oregon State (3-0)

* Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Corvallis, Ore. Fox Sports West 2.

* Story line: The Trojans begin Pacific 10 play against an Oregon State team that gave them a scare at the Coliseum last season. The Beavers still have standouts Ken Simonton at tailback and Jonathan Smith at quarterback. This time, they also have a defense that ranks third in the nation after shutting down lesser opponents such as San Diego State.

* USC update: Cornerback Kris Richard has looked strong in practice after being slowed by a sore knee the past few weeks. The prognosis is not as good for the special teams, desperate to bounce back from last week’s blocked punt and missed extra points.

* Oregon State update: Speedy receiver Robert Prescott could return to the lineup this week, giving the Beavers another weapon. Through three games, Simonton ranks fifth in the nation in rushing with 158 yards a game and first in scoring with an average of two touchdowns.

* Edge to USC: The second half of last week’s game showed the Trojans, when properly motivated, can contain the spread offense and score points in a hurry. Oregon State figures to be tougher than San Jose State, but USC figures to be motivated for this conference opener.

* Line: USC by 5 1/2.

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

THE LOCALS

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