No. 18 USC (2-1) vs. No. 23 Oregon State (4-0)

Today, 3:30 p.m., at the Coliseum

TV--FSN. Radio--KMPC (1540)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Carson Palmer is completing 58% of his passes, a figure that would be higher if not for eight drops last week against Kansas State. He’ll have his work cut out against an Oregon State defense that leads the nation with 11 interceptions. Last week against Fresno State, the Beavers intercepted three passes and broke up 12 others. Senior tailbacks Sultan McCullough and Justin Fargas will get most of the carries if the Trojans try to slow down Oregon State’s big-play capability by controlling the ball. Linebackers Nick Barnett and Richard Siegler are the Beavers’ top tacklers.

WHEN OREGON STATE HAS THE BALL

The Beavers are balanced. Sophomore quarterback Derek Anderson is averaging 300 passing yards a game and has thrown for 15 touchdowns in an offense that goes for the jugular. Flanker James Newson has 22 receptions and five touchdowns. Sophomore tailback Steven Jackson is the nation’s seventh-leading rusher, averaging 134 yards a game. With Ronald Nunn out for the season because of a knee injury, redshirt freshman William Buchanon will start at left cornerback for USC. USC’s front seven is sound but must tackle better than it did in last week’s loss to Kansas State.

KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Prevent the big play. Oregon State produced 29 plays that covered 25 yards or more in its first four games, 11 resulting in touchdowns.

2. Control the clock. The Trojans can keep the ball out of Oregon State’s hands and avoid its dangerous secondary by establishing their rushing attack and sustaining drives.

3. Eliminate special-teams mistakes. The kicker, whether it’s Ryan Killeen or David Davis, must convert. Punter Tom Malone cannot afford to give Oregon State favorable field position.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC OSU 28.0 Scoring 47.5 15.6 Points Allowed 12.2 244.0 Passing Offense 316.2 118.3 Rushing Offense 183.5 362.3 Total offense 499.8 108.0 Passing Defense 148.0 121.7 Rushing Defense 108.8 229.7 Total Defense 257.8

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