ANALYSIS: USC GETS EARLY WARNING : STRUGGLE WITH OSU EXPOSES DEFICIENCIES AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

USC linebacker David Gibson suffered a mild concussion in the fourth quarter against Oregon State and had to sit out the game's final five minutes when he couldn't remember the defensive calls.

``I got dinged,'' Gibson said.

Now, if USC could figure out what everybody else's problem was Saturday night, it might have a better idea of where it stands heading into the biggest game of the season thus far against Florida State.

``We've got a lot to work on before we can expect to go to Tallahassee and beat somebody,'' wide receiver Billy Miller said. ``I think (this game) shocked us. I can't believe it when I think about it.''

USC should forget as quickly as possible its 40-20 victory over the Beavers, especially when the Trojans' final 17 points came in the game's last 2:11.

Instead, they need to focus on some other numbers. The Trojans had 102 yards in penalties and surpassed 100 yards in that department for the second straight game. The way coach Paul Hackett pays attention to detail, it's almost stunning that USC can be so sloppy when it comes to penalties.

Want another number? How about 4 for 17 on third-down conversions? If that's the best the offense can muster against Oregon State, what will the third-down conversion rate be against Florida State?

Did we mention Florida State has won 35 straight home games?

At least USC won't be battling complacency against the Seminoles.

``It's funny. We got an early score and everyone kind of went to sleep,'' quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst said. ``It's like we thought, `Hey, this might be easier than I thought it would be.' ''

It's not hard for USC (3-0) to think it could pummel the Beavers, even though second-year coach Mike Riley has worked wonders in Corvallis. The Trojans have won 25 straight over the hapless Beavers.

But this victory should be accompanied by a thank-you note to Riley, for exposing some troubling signs for USC.

The offensive line had difficulty protecting the quarterbacks and dealing with Oregon State's stunting along the defensive front. And the Trojans' passing game often seemed little more than heaving the ball downfield to R. Jay Soward.

The defense also showed some vulnerability, although Oregon State lacked the weapons to fully test the Trojans.

``If we play like that again, we're not going to win too many games,'' offensive lineman Travis Claridge said.

At least the quarterback situation seems to have settled down with Van Raaphorst clearly No. 1, in another solid-but-unspectacular performance.

But reserve quarterback Carson Palmer's 1-for-7 effort against Oregon State shouldn't be totally blamed on the freshman. USC seems intent on having Palmer provide some magic, a la Purdue, whenever he makes an appearance and he almost seems to force throwing the ball.

The Oregon State game served another purpose, aside from illustrating USC's weaknesses. It kept the Trojans, who are ranked 18th in the Associated Press poll, from becoming the slightest overconfident heading into this weekend.

``It might have been worse for us if we had come in and blown them out,'' Miller said. ``It brought us down to earth.''

That's a week earlier than everyone expected it to happen.

Notes: Although Gibson technically suffered a mild concussion, he is OK and can play this week. . . . How serious is USC viewing the Florida State game? Three potential starters - linebacker Mark Cusano, strong safety Grant Pearsall and defensive end Lawrence Larry - sat out the Oregon State contest to increase their chances of being healthy this week. Cusano (sprained ankle) said he will definitely practice this week and play against the Seminoles.

USC STATUS REPORT

Game: 3

Result: USC 40, Oregon State 20

Record: 3-0

This week's GPA: 2.38

Cumulative GPA: 2.73

QUARTERBACKS: C-

So much for the quarterback controversy. Trojans will be happy to just leave Florida State with two healthy quarterbacks.

RUNNING BACKS: B+

As inconsistent as the offense remains, Chad Morton is the one constant. USC also briefly recognized that the fullback can carry the ball.

RECEIVERS: C

Maybe it was the poor pass protection or some inaccurate passes, but this was hardly the encore performance expected from Soward and Co.

OFFENSIVE LINE: C-

The good news was there were no fumbled snaps. The bad news was they didn't do much after the snap.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B-

Marc Matock had nine tackles as this group continues to be solid, if not eye-catching with its performances.

LINEBACKERS: A

Does anyone wonder why David Gibson was ever fighting for a starting position? Enjoy Chris Claiborne for the next 3-1/2 months, then say bye-bye.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: C

If Oregon State had a decent quarterback, it could have really been a long night back here. Peter Warrick probably isn't too worried today.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C

Adam Abrams regrouped nicely by making all four field goals but what happened on Tim Alexander's 100-yard kick return?

COACHING: C-

Somebody gets to take the blame for 102 yards in penalties, and 216 yards in two games. The Trojans won't be able to slide past too many more teams because they have an overwhelming talent advantage.

- Scott Wolf

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

PHOTO USC receiver R. Jay Soward stiff-arms Oregon State's Armond Hatcher during Saturday's hard-fought victory over the Beavers.

Victoria Arocho/Associated Press

BOX: USC STATUS REPORT (see text)