Stats get thrown around like confetti on Wednesdays for the Trojans, as they zero in on the coming opponent. Here are four key stat categories USC is examining today:

• Turnover margin (USC: -2; Oregon State: +2) • Aiming to get back to the positive, the Trojans are in for a challenge this week as they face tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, who has not fumbled in all 454 touches during his career as a Beaver.
  
  
• Third-down conversion offense (USC: 31 percent; Oregon State: 46 percent) • Trojans rank seventh in the Pac-10, while the Beavers are second.
  
  
• Third-down conversion defense (USC: 30 percent; Oregon State: 35 percent) • Trojans are second in the conference and the Beavers are fifth.
  
  
• Penalty yards per game (USC: 69.5; Oregon State: 48.5) • With the second-worst mark in the Pac-10, the Trojans are essentially giving the Beavers two first downs when looking at the penalty yard disparity.