No. 5 Oregon Tops No. 9 USC; No. 4 ASU Next

Dennis Dixon completed 16 of 25 passes for 157 yards. He also ran for 76 yards and a touchdown for Oregon (7-1, 4-1).

Matthew Harper had 2 interceptions in the 24-17 win. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - Oregon can start seriously thinking about a national title run.

As for Southern California, just winning the Pac-10 could be a long shot at this point.

Jonathan Stewart ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns and the fifth-ranked Ducks knocked off No. 9 USC 24-17 on Saturday.

Dennis Dixon completed 16 of 25 passes for 157 yards. He also ran for 76 yards and a touchdown for Oregon (7-1, 4-1). The Ducks, who came into the game ranked second nationally in total offense, had 399 yards against the Trojans.

USC's defense, ranked third in the nation, held up against the Ducks. But it was turnovers - including a fumble recovery and a pair of interceptions - that gave Oregon the advantage over the Trojans (6-2, 3-2).

USC, which came into the season ranked No. 1 and a heavy favorite to play for a national title, now will need help to defend the Pac-10 crown it has owned at least a share of for six straight seasons.

Mark Sanchez, making his third start for the Trojans in place of the injured John David Booty, completed 26 of 41 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns, but the misthrows hurt him.

Trailing 24-10 with 4:44 left in the game, Sanchez narrowed the gap with a 14-yard touchdown pass to David Ausberry.

Sanchez led the Trojans to the Oregon 33 on their final drive, but he was intercepted by Matthew Harper - who had also intercepted another key pass earlier in the quarter.

No. 4 Arizona State comes to Eugene Saturday after dumping No. 18 Cal, 31-20. Kickoff is set for 3:45 p.m.

Story by: The Associated Press

Courtesy: goducks.com

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