Putting forward its best defense

Looking back at No. 12 USC’s 24-3 victory over Oregon State:

As expected: The Trojans’ defense continued to demonstrate it is the strength of a team that is looking to win out against California, Arizona State and UCLA.

The Trojans opened up the offense some, putting quarterback John David Booty in the shotgun for numerous plays and attempting longer passes than they did the previous three weeks with backup Mark Sanchez.

Rewind

After Coach Pete Carroll’s weeklong lobbying for some relief by Pacific 10 Conference officials, both teams were called for four penalties.

The Trojans moved up one spot in the Associated Press media poll and two spots to 17th in the Bowl Championship Series standings.

Unexpected: USC thought it would be able to pressure quarterback Sean Canfield, but nine sacks and an interception exceeded the Trojans’ expectations.

Booty was rustier than either he or Carroll had anticipated.

Chauncey Washington averaged five yards per carry against the nation’s best rushing defense.

Stepped up: USC’s defensive line played an outstanding game, getting six of the Trojans’ nine sacks and also controlling the run.

Freshman Everson Griffen recorded a team-best 3 1/2 sacks.

Cornerback Terrell Thomas intercepted a pass to set up a touchdown, ending a drought for Trojans defensive backs.

USC’s offensive line mostly neutralized Oregon State’s defensive line and gave up only two sacks to a team that entered the game with 33 in eight games.

Stepped back: After a clutch performance by the receivers against Oregon the week before, dropped and missed passes once again stymied the offense’s rhythm.

Too many catchable balls hit the turf. Fullback Stanley Havili and tight end Fred Davis were among the culprits.

“It was a big factor,” Carroll said Sunday of the drops. “Three or four plays could have been a difference. There were a couple high balls, but there were four balls we should have nailed and shouldn’t have been a problem. . . . That’s something we thought we had under control and it got away from us.”

Cornerback Vince Joseph said he did not play because of a knee injury, but Carroll said the sophomore was suspended because of academic issues. Carroll said he did not know whether Joseph would be available this week against No. 24 California.

Coach’s quote: Carroll on Griffen: “He’s learned some things about staying upfield and using your speed. . . . So often he’s tried to work his moves and not bank on the fact that he’s so fast. We’ve been hammering away and it really came through in this game.”

Carroll said he was not monitoring the Trojans’ chances of playing in a BCS bowl game.

“The sheet that was put on my desk is already in the garbage can,” he said.

Carroll, however, is well aware that victories over ranked opponents such as Cal and Arizona State will help USC’s cause.

“Great games to up our stock,” he said. “I know that.”

Injury report: The Trojans emerged largely unscathed, but All-American tackle Sam Baker sat out and remains a question mark for the Cal game because of a torn hamstring.

Redshirt freshman Butch Lewis, who has started twice in Baker’s place, and sophomore Charles Brown will compete for the spot this week if Baker cannot play, Carroll said.

Carroll said trainers held out tailback Stafon Johnson (foot) late in the game but he is expected to play this week.

Looking ahead to the game vs. No. 24 California (Saturday, Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, 5 p.m., Channel 7):

Fast forward

First look: Cal is coming off a 20-17 victory over Washington State, a win that lifted the Golden Bears out of a funk and a three-game losing streak.

“I’m surprised a little bit that they’re where they are,” Carroll said. “They’ve really got good players and a great scheme. It’s just the conference. The conference is so hard, it gets you.”

The Golden Bears would like nothing more than to derail USC’s hopes for a possible showdown with No. 9 Arizona State.

Topic of the week: Cal receiver DeSean Jackson said before the season that he would rather beat USC than win the Heisman Trophy. Jackson has caught five touchdown passes, run for another and also returned a punt for a touchdown.

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