USC's Oregon State Conundrum

Of late, the USC Trojan Football team visiting Oregon State has become a bit of a conundrum in that no matter what the odds are for them to win, the circumstances on hand tend to miraculously fall to the Beavers.

Coach Lane Kiffin seemingly had a premonition of what was to pass at Reser Stadium last week. What is this mysterious magical force that seems to defeat the Trojans before they even cross the border to the neighboring Pacific Northwestern state?

Trojan faithful have come to approach the schools to the north with a sense of wonder mixed with anxiety; these emotions seem to blend into a vortex of perplexity and let down.

So many elements of doom seem to join forces in this particular time and space.

Things like crowd energy, where the game schedule falls, the traveling, the weather, the injuries, the psyche of the Trojans and the David syndrome slaying of the Trojan giants.

November has traditionally seemed a winning month for Trojans, yet Troy's last losses to OSU have come in Corvallis, most notably the incredulous defeat of the No. 1 ranked 2008 team.

It isn't certain, however—news feeds were filling the waves prior to game 2010 in Corvallis stating that Coach Killfin was deeply concerned with the possibility of a Trojan team let-up in the wake of a win against Arizona.

Was Coach Kiffin trying to psych up or challenge his team by throwing the possibility card out there ahead of time, that he was deeply concerned about the ability of the Trojans to beat the Beavers or was he setting the tone of doubt without realizing it?

The OSU Beaver team, coaching staff and fans might have something to say about this phenomenon more than the Trojans would like to believe. A night game, mid-schedule, in the small rural town of Corvallis can be cold and the sea of orange fans can be chilling.

In the past, when OSU hit the field, they seemingly looked smaller in stature, less polished, perhaps even less talented; however, they have learned to capitalize on their smaller size by running right through the giant linemen of Troy.

They have conditioned themselves to withstand the power game of USC and to use their own balanced run and pass tactics against them.

One could question how the Trojans prepare for away games and for teams that are not as high profile as others. Is it a question of discipline, wellness, leadership and/or desire to win? Even team captain, quarterback Matt Barkley was not on his game and seemingly mentally mesmerized by the elements at hand.

Barkley has completed 221 of 351 passes (63.0 percent) this season for 2,593 yards, with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, which places him above average in efficiency in the Pac-10.

Against OSU, before he was injured, he was unable to pass efficiently and the long pass was completely stifled. If the Beavers' plan was to close down Matt Barkley and any dimension of play by the Trojans, they deserve the credit for doing just that.

As the Trojans move forward toward Notre Dame, fans will be curious to see if USC can adjust to the differences and similarities of past experiences on the field.

It will be an emotional game as well, as the Irish are eager to capitalize on a USC team that has not been up to the traditional elite program status in college football as in other years.

The fact remains that both Notre Dame and USC have won 11 National Championships and seven Heisman trophies. This football rivalry, which began in 1926, is considered one of utmost importance to the Trojan faithful.

A home game this week, and being sent home with the OSU loss last week, will be hovering over the team as Matt Barkley will most likely not be able to play.

The question remains: Which Trojan team will show up on Saturday? The external factors need not have as much import as the Trojans have given them if they remain focused on the team at hand.

Will the circumstances at hand win or will the best most prepared team win? It is difficult to say how much the sanctions on USC play on each player.

It can be a catalyst to fight on with pride or to roll over and not care.

Will the circumstances at hand fall to USC or will the luck of the Irish prevail?