Stat of the season (so far)

Here's a scary thought for USC opponents: The longest touchdown drive the Trojans have allowed this season is 70 yards. That means that if you want to score on USC, you have to stop its offense.

Remember that when placekicker David Buehler kicks it out of the back of the end zone (which he's done on several occasions), opponents have to go 80 yards. And they never have. Twenty-nine of his 38 kicks have been touchbacks, and on average opponents wind up on the 22-yard line. Only Virginia (62-ard drive) and Oregon (30-yard drive) have scored after a USC kickoff.

In the lone game in which USC allowed more than 10 points, Oregon State scored touchdowns off of two turnovers (drives of 2 and 58 yards) and two punts (60 and 62)

-- Adam Rose
Photo: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times