Beavers hoping for repeat against USC

If there's any message that can be imparted to Oregon State in its preparation for top-ranked Southern California tonight in Corvallis, Ore., it's that no team is invincible.

It worked for the Beavers the last time the Trojans visited Corvallis, in 2006. Oregon State upset then-No. 3 USC, ending the Trojans' 38-game regular-season winning streak.

Before that game, receiver Sammie Stroughter - inspired by the story of David and Goliath - passed out small stones to his teammates.

"The lesson can be learned - no matter what people think, or what the pick is, or what the perception is - it's all about playing the game. It's been proven time and again across the country: USC hasn't fallen into the trap, but it isn't about the best team always winning," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. "It is about the team that plays best [tonight], and that is where our opportunity lies."

Gold Helmet winners

Brown junior wide receiver Buddy Farnham and Framingham State junior quarterback Bruce Rich received this week's awards from the New England College Football Writers. An Andover High product, the 6-foot, 185-pound Farnham hauled in 14 catches for 111 yards, rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, and returned a kickoff 41 yards in Brown's 17-7 nonleague win over Stony Brook. The 5-10, 170-pound Rich directed Framingham to a last-second 42-38 win over previously unbeaten MIT, completing 22 of 29 attempts for 361 yards and four touchdowns.