Just like every week, even more so now, the Oregon State football team is in a must-win situation. The Beavers need to defeat Southern California this evening for a shot at the postseason.

I picked against the Beavers with a 21-14 score. Looking at the stats, how the teams have been playing and the athletes it’s the logical choice.

However, I think the Beavers can win this game. For inspiration, check out my video from the big upset of the Trojans in Reser Stadium in 2008. It was my best (luckiest) video attempt ever of being in the right place at the right time to capture the moment.

There’s been no talk about this being such a huge challenge due to being the Trojans. Can past success be a confidence builder today?

“I would say normally, yes, but where we are with our football team, we just have to play good football,” coach Mike Riley said. “USC is a good football team, and will be a major challenge for us. I think we can play with anybody when we are playing. This will be a true test to see if we can come back.”

For your reading, check out my Saturday GT story on QB Ryan Katz and how the offense needs him. From there you can find all the preview stories and video interviews from the week.

Here’s a link to the Game Day main story on the GT’s countdown of the top players of the decade. No. 3 is QB Derek Anderson.

Here’s a link to the players to watch in the game. For USC, it’s all about QB Matt Barkley. For OSU, RB Jacquizz Rodgers has to have a game like he did in 2008 when he carved up the Trojans.

Another thing to point out is that Barkley is not a mobile QB. He won’t be burning the Beavers with his feet. Plus, he has a hamstring pull.

“It will be a different style, but it will boil down to how we play and what we have to do to win the game,” Riley said.

Here’s a link to a pomo of me the GT is running on me online and in print. You can find links to me, including how to sign up for the mobile app. Spread the word to follow me on twitter.com/cliffgt.

Also, don’t forget OSU is trying to do an “orange out” for the game. The administration is asking for everyone to wear orange. I’ll guess that the team will be in orange, too.

Benny wants to rock n’ roll today. PHOTO/Scobel Wiggins.

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