USC football notes: Rogers’ only reception of the night is a big one

USC receiver Darreus Rogers came up big for the Trojans in their 35-10 victory over Oregon State on Saturday night at the Coliseum.

Rogers, a sophomore, caught a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Cody Kessler on the final play of the first half to give the Trojans a 21-10 lead.

Rogers outjumped several teammates and Oregon State defenders to catch the 48-yard pass and dashed into the end zone.

“It was a big momentum shift and it’s a great moment for me, my teammates and to celebrate with my team,” Rogers said.

It was the only catch of the night and the second touchdown of the season for Rogers, who caught his first career touchdown against Boston College.

Cravens steps up

Su’a Cravens moved from safety to linebacker — and the move paid immediate dividends.

Cravens intercepted a first-quarter pass by Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown to give the Trojans a 7-0 lead.

It was Cravens’ first touchdown. Cravens also had a sack for an eight-yard loss and finished with six tackles.

Cravens was a freshman All-American last season when he intercepted four passes.

Tight ends emerge

USC tight ends Randall Telfer and Bryce Dixon had a productive game.

Telfer caught two passes for 29 yards. Dixon had two receptions for 44 yards, including one for 31 yards to set up a touchdown.

Williams healthy

USC had an open date last week, allowing players such as defensive lineman Leonard Williams to rest and receive treatment for injuries.

Williams appears recovered from an ankle injury that had slowed him in the first three games.

He sacked Mannion for a 14-yard loss in the first quarter, his second sack of the season.

Flagging effort

USC was penalized 14 times for 124 yards, including nine times for 65 yards in the first half.

The infractions included three consecutive false-start penalties that stalled the Trojans’ opening drive.

Oregon State wasn’t much better. The Beavers were penalized 12 times for 92 yards.

Local product

Oregon State was without leading receiver Victor Bolden because of a finger injury, but former Thousand Oaks High receiver Richard Mullaney stepped up for the Beavers.

Mullaney had five receptions for 78 yards in the first half, but did not catch a pass in the second half.

Fresh starts

Freshman receiver Ajene Harris started for the first time for USC and caught three passes for 30 yards. Freshman offensive lineman Viane Talamaivao started at guard for the second consecutive game.

Hall of Famers

USC’s 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame class was introduced at halftime.

Former Trojans football players and coaches in the 16-member class included coach Pete Carroll, linebacker Jack Del Rio, quarterback Jimmy Jones, defensive lineman Tim Rossovich and assistant coach Dave Levy.

Carroll did not attend the game but is expected to be at the induction ceremony in May.

The class also includes Mark Prior (baseball), Harold Miner (basketball), Kristina Quance-Julian (swimming), Jennifer Rosales (golf), Aniko Pelle (water polo), Bob Yoder (volleyball), Isabelle Harvey (soccer), Don Quarrie (track and field) Byron Black (tennis). John Hamilton, who helped start the Hall of Fame in 1994, and sportswriter Joe Jares also are in the class.

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