Beavs' Upset Bid Falls Short

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Seventh-ranked USC denied Oregon State's upset bid on Saturday night in Reser Stadium, with the Trojans taking a 17-14 result.

The Beavers (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) opened the scoring in the second frame when Deshaun Fenwick punched it the endzone from just four yards out for the 7-0 advantage. Fenwick's score was set up by a 24-yard reception by Nolan Gould on a crucial fourth down to keep the drive alive. USC (4-0, 2-0 Pac-12) responded two drives later after driving down for a field goal after hawking an interception from Chance Nolan before the break.

Pinning the Beavers to their own two-yard line after a stalled drive, the Trojans forced Nolan into a tough situation and his second interception of the contest with just over two to play in the third. USC then drove the 26 yards necessary for the touchdown and 10-7 lead just seconds into the fourth.

Jam Griffin got the Beavers the lead back with 22 yards on two carries for the score and 14-10 lead late in the contest. Oregon State got the ball back after forcing the Trojans to a three-and-out deep in their own territory.

USC regained the momentum and the lead when they went 84 yards in 3:22 for the 17-14 score on a 21-yard pass from Caleb Williams, leaving just 1:13 on the clock.
Oregon State's comeback attempt fell short when Nolan was intercepted at the 32-yard line.

A pair of defenders – Ryan Cooper Jr. and Omar Speights – posted new season highs in tackles, tallying five and eight, respectively. Speights' eight led the Beavers' defense.

Nolan tossed 167 yards on 17 completions on the evening. Griffin led Oregon State with 84 yards on the ground on 12 carries.

Oregon State will be back in action on Saturday, October 1st at Utah. Kickoff from Rice-Eccles Stadium is set for 11 a.m. PT.

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