Q&A with Daily Barometer sports editor

The 18th-ranked Trojan football team is gearing up for its second Pac-12 showing this Saturday against Oregon State.

The Beavers (3-0) are receiving some national attention for their stellar quarterback, Sean Mannion, but are otherwise a relatively unknown squad.

Oregon State is trying to establish a new identity following the loss wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who led the nation in receiving yards last year.

Daily Trojan sports editor Aubrey Kragen interviewed Oregon State’s Daily Barometer sports editor TeJo Pack to provide Trojan fans with a better idea of what to expect tomorrow night.

 

DT: How have the Beavers improved since USC beat them last year in Corvallis?

DB: A lot has changed since last year’s game. Sean Mannion’s presence in the pocket and his footwork have greatly improved; this awareness and mobility aids in his ability to find open receivers and make better decisions, while giving him more time.

Also, the team’s defense appears to have found another step. With a core group of returning seniors including [cornerback] Steven Nelson [and linebackers] Michael Doctor and D.J. Alexander, the Beavers look poised to disrupt and pressure the USC offense.

Lastly, the OSU running game has grown into a threat, as opposed to last year’s afterthought. Terron Ward and Storm Woods have developed into a two-back set that plays on each other’s strengths.

 

DT: Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion is averaging 301.0 yards per game this season. Do you expect him to go over or under in the match-up with USC’s secondary?

DB: With Su’a Cravens patrolling the backfield, USC’s secondary is nothing to ignore, and I’m sure Oregon State’s receivers dedicated some serious film time to this part of the defense.

Though Mannion is missing some of the deep threat ability he had last year, I believe his newfound skills and a more aggressive running game will make for a competitive passing attack, even with the absence of [wide receiver] Victor Bolden. I predict he will float right around the 300 mark again this week.

 

DT: How have the Beavers compensated for the loss of 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner Brandin Cooks?

DB: The loss of an outstanding wide receiver like Cooks is always hard for a team, but it has allowed for the younger receivers to step up and make the big plays. Sophomore Rahmel Dockery showed last week that given the chance, he can make big plays and be a deep threat.

Richard Mullaney and tight end Connor Hamlett both have over 100 yards receiving this season and are averaging more than 10 yards per catch. With these factors, it’s safe to say that Mannion will have plenty of other receivers to throw to, even without Cooks.

 

DT: Who do you think will be Oregon State’s impact player of the game?

DB: On the offensive side of the ball, Dockery has a very real chance of having a break out game and with the absence of Bolden, we should really see what he can do. Likewise, Terron Ward seems to be coming into his own as a ball carrier, so look for him to do great things.

On defense, Steven Nelson will always be a threat in the secondary, but watch out for D.J. Alexander. He came out with a real fire in his belly last week, and this week looks to be no different.

 

DT: Prediction?

DB: This game will be significantly closer than last year’s trouncing. USC will have to contain the running game better than they did against Boston College and keep that Trojan offense rolling.

Mannion and the Beavers will need to spread the ball around and the defense will need the tenacity they presented in their first three match-ups. The Coliseum is also a tough place to play, so controlling the atmosphere will be a key for both teams. In the end, USC will come out on top, but I wouldn’t be surprised by an upset.

Final score: USC 24, Oregon State 14.