EUGENE, Ore. — It was arguably the Pac-10's biggest game of the season, and Oregon teammates Jeremiah Masoli and LaMichael James were cracking jokes all night.

They laughed all the way to a 47-20 victory over Southern California. It wasn't meant to disrespect the Trojans — the Ducks just have that kind of vibe going.

After their embarrassing season-opening loss to Boise State on national television, the No. 7 Ducks (7-1, 5-0) have scratched their way back into the BCS conversation.

Meanwhile, it's looking like the Trojans (6-2, 3-2) have loosened their grip on the Pac-10, with an eighth straight conference title and BCS berth slipping away. USC tumbled from fourth to No. 12 in the AP Top 25 yesterday.

Masoli, a Saint Louis School alum, passed for 222 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 164 yards. James, the star freshman, ran for 183 yards and another TD.

"The whole game, the whole game we cracked jokes," James said afterward. "It makes me feel comfortable and makes him feel comfortable."

The Trojans' formidable run defense, ranked fifth in the nation going in, allowed Oregon to amass 391 yards on the ground. James caused fits for USC, much in the same way that Oregon State freshman Jacquizz Rodgers did in the Beavers' 27-21 upset of USC last season.

"He's grown so much in such little time as far as his reads and how he sets up and just makes lanes for himself. He's so elusive and slippery," Masoli said. "Guys just hit him and bounce right off."

Oregon's junior quarterback kept loose by joking around with him.

"I was as relaxed as I've ever been in my career. Even me and LaMike break a couple jokes every so often," Masoli said.

The victory was the latest step in the dramatic turnaround for the Ducks, playing their first year under former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

BCS standings: Texas took a small step forward in the Bowl Championship Series standings yesterday, and the remaining unbeaten teams held down the first seven spots.

The Longhorns (.9227) jumped from third to second place, ahead of Alabama (.9166) and behind Florida (.9918).

Behind the top three were Iowa (.8407), Cincinnati (.8033), TCU (.8008) and Boise State (.7863), all unbeaten and hoping for the Gators, Crimson Tide or Longhorns to slip up.