The USC defense bounced back from its stinging defeat 10 days ago at Oregon State, partly because of the way Hueneme High product Josh Pinkard played in his second straight start at cornerback.

"We bounced back," said Pinkard, who recorded five tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. "We weren't really trying to answer any more questions.
"As a defense, we just felt like we need to make a statement for ourselves."

Pinkard recovered the Jairus Byrd fumble in the final minute of the first half that allowed USC to build a 27-10 halftime lead.

"I was just making a play on the ball," said Pinkard. "Fortunately, the ball came out. It was a race to the ball... my instinct was to pick it up and try to score."

Using those insticts, Pinkard, with both knees on the ground, tried to protect the ball without possessing it, so he could get on his feet and get in the end zone.

That's exactly what happened, only the officials spoiled the fun by calling Pinkard down.

"A little strategy, but it didn't work," said Pinkard, who did draw a facemask penalty for his trouble, however, that set the Trojans up on the Oregon 11.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez hit receiver Patrick Turner for a backbreaking touchdown pass on the next play.