By ANNE M. PETERSON
AP SPORTS Writer

Stanford's 2-point conversion has turned into something of a
2-point controversy.

The Cardinal upset Southern California 55-21 Saturday, giving
the Trojans three losses this season and dropping them in the
polls to No. 22, their lowest ranking since 2002.

Up 48-21 and with 6:47 left in the game, Stanford went for a
2-point conversion. Some considered that overkill.

Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh said he has heard the critics.

"I've been reading some people's opinion that somehow this is
something personal with coach (Pete) Carroll," Harbaugh said on
a conference call with reporters. "That couldn't be further from
the truth. There was nothing personal. I'm not trying to make
any enemies."

Harbaugh, however, went on to pull out the battle analogy.

"We kind of yuck it up before the game. We kind of always end it
with 'time to go to war.' And then you go out and try to gouge
each other's eyes out. You do the same thing in recruiting. It's
great competition. But these games are decided on the field by
the players," he said.

The Trojans seemed none to happy with the move in the aftermath
of the game.

"I don't feel like commenting," safety Taylor Mays was quoted as
saying.

Pete Carroll said that opposing teams will do what they do. But
he more than hinted at being miffed.

"I don't know what they were thinking with that, but in that
situation, they get to do whatever they want," he said.

The Cardinal (7-3, 6-2 Pac-10) surged to No. 14 in the AP poll.
Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State each have only two conference
losses, threatening Oregon's tenuous top spot in the league
standings in the season's final stretch.

Southern California, which has a bye this weekend, tumbled from
No. 11.

The Trojans (7-3, 4-3) have been ranked in 128 consecutive media
polls dating to the start of the 2002 season. They haven't been
ranked lower than No. 13 since October 2002.

Meanwhile, Harbaugh is close to completing a contract extension
with Stanford.

Athletic director Bob Bowlsby was expected to announce a new
deal shortly. The two sides were close to announcing an
extension after last season but talks were put on hold in
February because of the poor economy.

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SAMSON STEPS IN: Arizona State sophomore quarterback Samson
Szakacsy has made an impression, and not just with his
free-spirited personality.

Sun Devils coach Dennis Erickson said Szakacsy is taking snaps
with the first team this week. That could lead to a start
Saturday against UCLA.

Szakacsy came in off the bench last weekend against Oregon when
true freshman starter Brock Osweiler left after being hit hard
in the first half. Szakacsy stayed in for the second half
because he was able to move the ball.

Arizona State (4-6, 2-5 Pac-10) lost 44-21, but Szakacsy
completed 13 of 22 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Szakacsy, who once committed to USC, had elbow surgery two years
ago.

"We've just never have seen him because he's been hurt all the
time," Erickson said. "So we're going to let him take that first
group quite a bit in the next few days and see where he's at."

Szakacsy, whose hair hangs well past his shoulders, is a global
sustainability major who is also a musician in the bands Bent
Twig and Walking Charly. His introduction on his MySpace page
reads: "My name is Samson and I am from Mars."

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HONORS: Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, UCLA linebacker
Akeem Ayers and Cal kicker Giorgio Tavecchio have been named the
league's players of the week.

Gerhart, who is getting considerable Heisman Trophy buzz, rushed
for 179 yards and three touchdowns in Stanford's 55-21 victory
at USC last weekend.

Gerhart is ranked third nationally among running backs with an
average of 139.5 yards rushing per game. He has run for 1,395
yards overall this season with 19 touchdowns.

Gerhart has won the Pac-10 offensive player of the week honors
the last two weeks.

Ayers intercepted two passes - which both led to Bruin
touchdowns - and had two quarterback sacks in UCLA's 43-7
victory at Washington State. He also had four solo tackles.

Tavecchio made four of five field goal attempts in Cal's 24-16
victory over Arizona.

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CRUSHED COUGARS: As if it couldn't get worse for Washington
State, a starting linebacker was arrested for assault and a
defensive tackle has been suspended for the last two games of
the season.

Linebacker Jason Stripling was arrested in Pullman early Sunday
morning on suspicion of fourth-degree assault and obstructing a
public servant, both misdemeanors.

Coach Paul Wulff said Tuesday that Stripling would be suspended
for the first quarter of Saturday's game against Oregon State.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Toby Turpin has been suspended for
the season's final two games for violating team rules. The
junior had started six games this season and had 28 tackles with
two sacks.

The Cougars did not specify which rules Turpin had violated.

His absence hurts Washington State's already depleted defensive
line. Dan Spitz might not be able to play because of a
concussion, and defensive end Jesse Feagin has missed three
games with a broken hand.

On top of that, the Cougars may be without starting quarterback
Jeff Tuel, who is questionable with a knee injury. Either
Marshall Lobbestael or Kevin Lopina will go if Tuel cannot play.

Washington State is 1-9 overall this season, and winless in
seven Pac-10 games.