Cliff: USC game thread

The orange out idea for the Oregon State football team failed. Most of the fans are in black. Oh, well.

It’s a cold one, as expected, with the wind chill but the rain is holding off. I still feel for fans who sit in the stands. It’s cold inside the press box.

The Beavers are wearing orange jerseys and white pants. The look is not as good as orange and black.

The general vibe around the stadium was just as mellow as it was last weekend when Washington State thumped the Beavers. Will they shake their doldrums today?

First quarter
Beavers moved the ball a little on first drive, but was stopped P Johnny Hekker pins USC on the 3. The lineups are as expected on offense and defense.

FB Clayton York went in for Will Darkins (head). Coach Mike Riley doubted he would be ready for this game. game.

First quarter
Beavers moved the ball a little on first drive, but was stopped P Johnny Hekker pins USC on the 3. The lineups are as expected on offense and defense.

FB Clayton York went in for Will Darkins (head). Coach Mike Riley doubted he would be ready for this game. game.

The Beavers held USC on downs, but put it away. The defense comes through against and forces a punt.

OSU drives the ball well with a good mix of running and pass. PK Justin Kahut hit a 34-yard FG to put OSU up 3-0. It was good to see him make one. He needed it. He’s now 4 of 8 this season.

Second quarter
CB Jordan Poyer makes a huge play to start the quarter. He intercepts a pass and returns it 65 yards for a TD. Beavers up 10-0 14:48.

OSU’s defense is now inspired and forced another punt. DE Game Miller registered a sack. The offense stalls again, but the defense holds USC for another punt.

Overall, the special teams is playing well for the Beavers. Hekker is punting well, the gunners are on and Kahut hitting. The defense is playing with fire.

Now, the offense needs a little consistency. Beavers on own 47 for this drive. It’s a good time to go for something big.

After floundering a bit, OSU scored a Jacquizz Rodgers for a 17-0 lead with 7:06. The drive was made by a fake punt. Hekker went to Poyer, but USC was called for a PI.

Another big defensive stand by the defense. USC held on downs.

Quizz playing inspired. He’s making is cut-on-a-dime runs.

Kahut is now 2-for-2 on FGs. He hit a 38-yarder with 41 seconds left in the half. Beavers up 20-0.

USC QB Matt Barkley looks as if he injured his left ankle badly. DT Kevin Frahm sacked him. Barkley’s ankle was caught and twisted. Barkley was helped off the field. Doesn’t look that bad.

That’s the half.

Third quarter
The Beavers came out fast in the second half with CB Brandon Hardin laid out the kickoff returner. The defense then held USC to a three-and-out. Barkley is out for the second half.

Hekker hit a 74-yard rugby punt. That’s the second longest in OSU history.

Kahut hit his third FG. This one of 35 yards. OSU up 23-0 with 6:31 in the third quarter.

OLB Keith Pankey goes down with a left leg injury with less that 6 minutes left in the third quarter.

USC gets on the board on a 13-yard run. 41-yard drive. OSU still up 23-7 with 3:21 left in the quarter.

Fourth quarter
Wilder McAndrews has been playing at LT for Michael Philipp much of the second half. Don’t know if McAndrews is hurt.

Both offenses have stalled. Katz hurt on the last play. He took a helmet to helmet. He walked off the field.

The offense hasn’t been dominant in the game, but good enough, while the defense has been impressive. Quizz said this team plays to the opponents, meaning they get up for tough teams and are listless against the weak ones.