STUNNED DISBELIEF. In the aftermath of last night's 27-21 loss to Oregon State, I along with the rest of Trojan Nation are wondering, "What the hell just happened?" Although unable to watch the game due to work, my beautiful wife sent text messages and updates throughout the game.
We're down 21-0 at the half. After sweeping victories against UVA and then #5 Ohio State, I admit that I was fully (over)confident that Saint Peter would have no problem capping the W against the Beavers. I do remember the failed 2-point conversion that cost us the game on the last visit to Corvallis, but little did I know that Reser Stadium would become a veritable Beaver trap for the #1 team in the nation.
We just scored on our opening possession 2nd half. Anyone who's followed the Trojans over the last eight years is well acquainted with St. Pete's ability to make adjustments during halftime and snatch victory from the very jaws of defeat. He espoused the philosophy that games aren't won in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd quarter, but rather at the very end, often in the closing minutes of the whole shebang (i.e. Notre Dame 2005, 4th and 9, 1:32 left, Leinart to Jarrett and then the glorious "Bush Push").
Another TD 21-14! ;) So I was thinking that it was par for the course. What I hadn't seen was the aggressive resolve that the Beavs displayed, showing that they would not be intimidated by the hype. I had seen a clip where their HB Jaquizz Rodgers (the ultimate tool of our destruction with 2 TDs) was talking smack to LB Brian Cushing. That would be the true freshman talking smack to the senior all-American and Rose Bowl Defensive MVP.
They intercepted Sanchez and scored but missed the kick. I wish I could say that it was a fluke, that it was their time, or that they just got lucky. I can't. Truth is, they straight out-played us. It wasn't a matter of turnovers, bad calls, injured starters, or dumb luck. The Beavers' O- line kept our defense in check. Rodgers slashed and juked straight up the gut. Their secondary took away the deep threat. They were more Trojan than the Trojans, and it showed.
TD 27-21! I believe that regardless of the outcome of the game, this final drive was poignant because it showcased Sanchez's ability to step up as a leader much in the same way that Matt Leinart did at ASU the week after a tough loss at Cal his sophomore year. Matt finished that season with the AP National Championship and added a 13-0 season, a Heisman and the BCS National Championship the next. Maybe, just maybe this loss will serve to be a catalyst for another run. Here's hoping.
It's over. Due to the PAC-10's dismal performance last week and the fact that none of the teams are currently ranked in the top 25, any chance that USC will regain any standing in the polls and eventually the BCS is tougher than hell. It would take one strange and uncanny season where upset follows upset (last year's Curse of the #2 Spot) and more powerhouses fall to the little guys. Until then, I'll be rooting for Texas, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Ohio State, Michigan, and every single SEC underdog on the planet. Fight on, keep the Faith and Beat the Ducks!
One shout out: Happy Birthday, Pop. I love you!
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