OFFENSIVE MVP: Robert Woods, USC

Woods, whose 97-yard TD kickoff return was a game-changer in USC's victory at TCF Bank Stadium last year, struck again. This time he caught a school-record 17 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

DEFENSIVE MVP: Torin Harris, USC

Timing is everything, and the Trojans sophomore cornerback's first career collegiate interception came at a most opportune time, ending the Gophers' final possession with 1:11 to play. Harris also had four solo tackles.

TURNING POINT

The Gophers had all the late momentum, pulling within 19-17 on Max Shortell's 12-yard scoring pass to Brandon Green with 8:03 to play. But USC held the ball for the next six minutes, thanks in large part to a 27-yard run by Curtis McNeal on a second-and-20 from the USC 20-yard line. That gave USC field position, and when Minnesota finally got the ball back it was at its own 9-yard line with 2:04 remaining.

BY THE NUMBERS

75.6 Completion percentage of USC QB Matt Barkley, who completed 34 of 45 passes for 304 yards, three TDs and no interceptions.

28 Combined solo tackles by Gophers DBs Brock Vereen, Troy Stoudermire and Kim Royston.

248 All-purpose yards by the Trojans' Woods (177 receiving, 73 kick return, minus-2 rushing).

14 Consecutive season-opening victories for USC.

0-2 USC's success rate on two-point conversions, failing after its opening two scores.