Oregon State shocked USC, 27-21,¬†behind Jacquizz Rodgers’ 37 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
The Beavers led 21-0 at halftime before the Trojans got to within a touchdown on two Mark Sanchez touchdown passes. Oregon State’s defense held USC to punts on the next three drives before S Greg Laybourn intercepted Sanchez¬†and returned the pick down to the USC two yardline. One play later “Quizz” Rodgers punched it in for his second touchdown but the extra point was no good leaving USC to trail by less than two touchdowns. After a 50 yard kickoff return, Sanchez completed four straight passes the last of which was a 14-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Turner to pull USC within six with 1:19 to play. The last hope for USC fell into a waiting Beavers’ hands as the onside kick was recovered by Oregon State. Three kneel downs later, the field was covered with orange-clad Beaver fans.