Oregon 24, USC 17

Draw a line across this game, as it indicates the end, for now, of USC's hegemony in the Pac-10--and to a lesser extent, in the nation.

No stunning, historical upset (Stanford). No being caught flat-footed against a zealous rival (UCLA, 2006). No being shocked by a suddenly competent foe (Cal, 2003). No carnival of turnovers (Oregon State, 2006).

No one can say USC didn't know the stakes coming into this game. No one can claim they were stunned by the quality of competition.

No: USC had a road game against a better team, and played their hearts out, and lost. That, really there was no shame in losing that game is the biggest shame of all.