University of Southern California, who ranked No. 7,  won 17-14 over Oregon State University in a defensive battle, spoiling the Beavers’ chance of a possible upset win in Reser Stadium.

The Beavers nearly had their win over the Trojans in sight, but four turnovers proved to be the difference despite the Beaver defense holding the high-powered offense of the Trojans to just seventeen points.

Early in the game, it was a stalemate as both the Beaver and Trojan defenses each didn’t allow a score through the first quarter. Deshaun Fenwick soon ended the stalemate on a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Beavers a 7-0 lead with 13:18 remaining in the second quarter.

The Trojans would look to quickly answer the Beavers’ touchdown drive, but they would be forced to punt which gave the ball back to the Beaver offense. On the ensuing drive, the throw by quarterback Chance Nolan would be intercepted by the USC defense which quickly gave the ball back to the Trojans.

USC’s quarterback, Caleb Williams, drove the Trojans down the field looking to capitalize on the interception, but the Oregon State defense forced the Trojans to settle for a field goal. The Trojans cut the Beavers’ lead 7-3 headed into half-time.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Trojans took advantage of another interception by Nolan as running back Travis Dye gave the Trojans the lead on a 7-yard touchdown run making the score 10-7 with 14:18 left in the fourth quarter.

The Beavers quickly responded with an 18-yard touchdown run from running back Jam Griffin, making the score 14-10 which put the Beavers back on top with only 4:41 left in the fourth quarter.

However, on the next possession by the Trojans, they took back the lead for the final time in the game on a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordan Addison, making the score 17-14 with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Jonathan Smith was pleased with the performance of the Oregon State defense holding the Trojan offense to only seventeen points.

“Overall, if you told me we’re going to give up seventeen points, we’d feel pretty good,” said Smith.
Smith also acknowledged that there are things that the team fell short on in this game that cost them the opportunity to secure a win over the Trojans. Those being penalties and limiting turnovers on the offensive side of the ball.

Offensive lineman Brandon Kipper also echoed similar sentiments about the penalties that impacted opportunities for Oregon State to put more points on the board.

“We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot, put ourselves in some really good spots and we shot ourselves in the foot, against good teams you’re not always going to come back from that,” said Kipper

Up next, the Oregon State Beavers go on the road to take on the University of Utah Utes on Saturday, October 1st. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 am PT.