The Scouting Report

No. 2 USC (10-1, 6-1)

vs. OREGON ST. (7-4, 4-3)

Today, 1:30 p.m., Coliseum

TV -- Channel 7

Radio -- KMPC (1540)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Matt Leinart is on the verge of taking efficiency to a level not previously seen at USC. The redshirt sophomore has not thrown an interception in his last 197 passes and could move into Heisman Trophy finalist territory with another big game. The same goes for wide receiver Mike Williams, who has caught 22 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns in the last two games, despite sitting out the second half against UCLA. Senior flanker Keary Colbert needs seven receptions to become the Trojans’ career leader. Redshirt freshman Fred Matua will start at right guard in place of junior John Drake, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury against UCLA. Oregon State’s Richard Seigler leads a defense that ranks third nationally in pass efficiency defense, seventh in rushing defense and 11th in total defense.

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WHEN OREGON STATE HAS THE BALL

Junior running back Steven Jackson will try to prove that it was a fluke last year when USC limited him to 67 yards in 15 carries. It might be tough against a unit giving up only 1.9 yards a carry. Quarterback Derek Anderson, who leads the conference in passing at 295.5 yards a game, is showing courage by even showing up at the Coliseum. Last year, the Trojans made him look like a rag doll while sacking him five times and forcing him to fumble twice. If Oregon State’s line can hold off the Trojan rush, Anderson will look for receiver James Newson, who has 85 catches for 1,145 yards and 10 touchdowns. USC linebacker Matt Grootegoed is to return to the starting lineup after a four-game absence because of injury. Sophomore Dallas Sartz, though, will remain a starter.

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KEYS TO USC VICTORY

Focus on OSU, not LSU: A convincing victory over the Beavers will make for more relaxed viewing of the SEC title game.

Establish the run: The BCS formula is confusing. The Trojans’ formula for success is not.

Stop Jackson: If the Trojans shut down Oregon State’s tailback, they can hound Anderson into turnovers.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC OREGON ST. 41.3 Scoring 31.8 17.9 Points allowed 21.4 288.3 Passing offense 308.5 168.1 Rushing offense 140.2 456.4 Total offense 448.7 257.7 Passing defense 205.2 61.4 Rushing defense 89.2 319.1 Total defense 294.4

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-- Gary Klein