And we have our first major stumble of the season

It was has long since become a trend, USC has gone on the road and stumbled in conference to a vastly inferior team. USC was outplayed, out hustled, and over matched last night by a struggling Oregon State team. Pete Carroll continues to be one of the best big game coaches in college football but his lack of ability to keep USC focused throughout the entire season is a problem. College's post-season system doesn't allow for slip ups and you don't play in the big games unless you win the small ones.

The team lacked fire from the get go falling behind 21 - 0 during the first half. The offense was tentative and the line play on both sides of the ball was a disappointment. It wasn't until they were down by 3 touchdowns that USC began to stretch OSU down the field. USC appeared ready to tie the game when they got the ball back early in the 4th quarter, but a resiliant OSU defense was able to keep them out of the endzone. Oregon State controlled field position and kept USC pinned down deep in their own end. A late USC touchdown gave them the opportunity to win the game if they recovered the onside kick but it wasn't in the cards last night.

So what happens now? UGA has lost ground in the Top 25 polls a couple times this year after winning games. Ohio State dropped to #14 after their loss 2 weeks ago to USC. In my opinion, USC has to drop out of the Top 10. A loss to an unranked team that got embarrassed by Penn State must carry some weight. We'll see how the media responds to this one. USC is regarded as one of the media darlings and that will definitely help them after this one. With some powerhouses in the SEC and Big 12 this year, USC's National title hopes look to be all but gone. Despite this loss, USC should still win the Pac 10 and be headed back to the Rose Bowl again.