ESPN College Football

Oregon State's class of 16 ranked at or near the bottom of the Pac-10, according to the recruiting rankings, which is fairly typical.

Funny how the Beavers have won 36 games over the past four seasons without any good players.

"Are we in the top 50? " head coach Mike Riley asked. "We don't discount that, but I do like our process. When we decide a guy is worthy of a scholarship, if he commits and signs we will be happy about that. Where that puts us in the rankings, so be it. It will not change our feelings about the class."

The low ranking also can be partially blamed on the small class size. The Beavers had needs on defense and the class features five defensive linemen and three linebackers.

Top prospects: Riley called Shaydon Akuna "a perfect fit" at outside linebacker. Quarterback Sean Mannion has tremendous upside. Riley said defensive lineman Dominic Glover, a former Oregon player, will play immediately.

Under the radar: Riley said of defensive lineman Mana Tuivailala, "we really like this kid's potential," but Riley also described him as "rather raw." Tight end Tyler Perry could see playing time in 2010.

Issues: Oregon State fans annually are torn between scoffing at recruiting rankings, while quietly wishing they could be higher. The Beavers missed on three big-time prospects: running back Giovanni Bernard (North Carolina), linebacker-fullback Soma Vainuku (USC) and defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA). The class also lacks cornerbacks.

Notes: Committed defensive tackle Happy Iona appears headed to junior college. ... Running back Malcolm Marable could end up as Jacquizz Rodgers' backup. ... Kicker Trevor Romaine, defensive back Will Storey and tight end Connor Hamlett will grayshirt.

USC (8-4) vs. Boston College (8-4)
Dec. 26, 8 p.m., (ESPN)

Raise your hand if you predicted the Emerald Bowl for USC in the preseason?

You are not alone -- the Trojans surely didn’t see this for themselves either after seven consecutive BCS bowl games as Pac-10 champions.

A four-loss season feels bad around Heritage Hall, but a five-loss one would feel worse, and that could happen if the Trojans take the Golden Eagles lightly.

BC can play D. It ranks 23rd in the nation in total defense and 18th in scoring, giving up just 19 points per game. It held Notre Dame to just 20 points in a loss.

USC’s defense has played well at times, and the Eagles don’t have much of an offense, ranking 71st in scoring and 97th in total offense.

Quarterback Dave Shinskie threw two interceptions in the first five games. He threw 11 in the next seven, including four in a loss to North Carolina.

Of course, Trojans freshman quarterback Matt Barkley faded badly late in the season, and the USC offense was decidedly mediocre by most measures over the final five games.

The most important element might be who wants it more. This is a long trip for BC, but it likely will be excited to test USC. Hard to say if the Trojans will match that excitement.