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By David Wharton

Sept. 26, 2008 12 AM PT

USC

(2-1, 0-1)

vs. Oregon

(3-1, 1-0)

Oct. 4, 5 p.m.

TV: To be announced

The Trojans’ season took a shocking turn, as their last three seasons have, with an upset loss to a Pacific 10 underdog. Thursday night’s loss to Oregon State in the Trojans’ conference opener puts next week’s game in a different light as they return to the Coliseum after three weeks away. Through the first month of the season, Oregon led the conference in total offense despite suffering a rash of quarterback injuries. Running backs LaGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson fuel the Ducks’ solid ground game.

-- David Wharton

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.

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