COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Short Passes Wear Down the Defense

USC Coach John Robinson said that one reason he installed a high-percentage, short-pass offense was because it takes a lot of energy to defend against it. “Rob Johnson was very effective Saturday at Oregon throwing short to the fullback, tailback and tight end,” he said. “It wore Oregon down. When you rush the passer play after play and the pass is gone before you get there, it wears you down.”

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Oregon State’s wishbone offense, which confronts USC Saturday in the Coliseum, has gained 1,086 rushing yards in its last two games--419 against Arizona State and a school-record 667 Saturday against Pacific. The Beavers have scored nine running touchdowns in the two games and averaged seven yards per carry. Oregon State has moved from 10th to second in NCAA team rushing stats, at 313.3 yards per game. Army leads at 330.6.