USC passes Oregon test, 44-10

USC had fallen from the top spot in the polls after its upset loss at Oregon State nine days earlier, a performance that had many questioning the Trojans' resolve.

But quarterback Mark Sanchez and his receivers put on a highlight show against Oregon en route to a win that improved the Trojans' record to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Sanchez completed 20 of 30 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. The Trojans, however, got a scare when Sanchez stayed on the ground for several minutes after Nick Reed sacked him with 3 minutes 45 seconds left in the third quarter.

Sanchez was taken to the sideline and trainers examined the left knee that had been injured during training camp. However, Sanchez missed only one series before returning.

Sanchez was at his best in the latter part of the second quarter, when the Trojans scored four times in the final eight minutes to take a 27-10 halftime lead.

The junior from Mission Viejo connected on touchdown pass plays of 34 yards to Damian Williams, 63 yards to Ronald Johnson and 11 yards to Patrick Turner during the quarter. He finished the half 13 for 18 for 233 yards.

David Buehler, who had kicked a 21-yard field goal in the first quarter, added a 36-yard field goal to help the Trojans forge their 17-point halftime advantage.

Stafon Johnson's electrifying 22-yard touchdown run on the first possession of the second half increased the lead to 34-10 and put the game out of reach.

Buehler added his third field goal of the game, from 42 yards, with 3:18 left in the game, and a 59-yard scoring pass from Mitch Mustain to David Ausberry with 1:50 remaining completed the scoring.

Oregon (4-2, 2-1 in the Pac-10) came into the game averaging 47 points and 531 yards a game. But the Ducks were regarded as largely untested after defeating Washington State, Utah State, Purdue and Washington and losing to Boise State.

USC limited the Ducks to 242 yards and held running backs Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount to a combined 46 yards rushing, all by Johnson, and 138 below their combined season average of 184 yards a game before Saturday.