Was it that long ago that Cal was a sleeper national title contender and Jahvid Best was the chic pick to win the Heisman Trophy?

For the second straight week, the Bears were stomped at home. Just seven days after Oregon took it to them in a 42-3 route, Cal was once again manhandled on Saturday night, this time by a superior USC team.

In their 30-3 victory, the Trojans held Best to only 47 yards on 14 carries. Of course, it’s kind of hard to get the ball to your best player when you find yourself down 23-0 at halftime. USC controlled this game from start to finish by holding the ball for 36 minutes and 46 seconds, compared to Cal’s 23 minutes and 14 seconds. Without Best churning out big plays in the running game, the Bears’ offense was helpless.

Looking back, Cal’s issues started in the second half of a 35-21 win over Minnesota three weeks ago. After rushing for 114 yards and three scores in the first half, the Gophers held Best to only 17 yards in the second half. Granted, Best still finished with five touchdowns and 131 yards, but is it possible that Minnesota provided a blue print on how to slow the talented running back down?

That said, Best’s issues the past two games can be attributed to Cal’s opponents jumping out to comfortable first half leads and taking the Heisman candidate out of the game. It’s clear that quarterback Kevin Riley can’t win games on his own, although he’s hardly to blame for the Bears’ defense allowing USC to rush for 174 yards.

This was a much-needed win for Pete Carroll’s team, especially since it came on the road in a prime time game. Freshman Matt Barkley threw for 283 yards and continues to mature as a passer, while Joe McKnight finished with 119 yards and two scores, including an incredible 38-yard run in the first quarter.

USC is off next week before hosting Notre Dame on October 3.