Names to know

SAM BAKER, USC LEFT TACKLE

Despite being projected as a possible first-round draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Baker came back for his senior season. Maybe that’s because he knows there’s always a job waiting in the Arena Football League, where his dad, Dave, is the president.

DARRYL BLUNT, WSU PUNTER

The Cougars are last in the Pac-10 and 116th (out of 119) in the nation in net punting. Blunt, who averaged 41.4 yards a punt last season, has started slowly (36.2), but take out a shank for zero yards against San Diego State and he’s averaging 40.8. He’ll need to be at his best today.

REY MAUALUGA, USC MLB

The 6-3, 250-pound junior not only is big enough to clog the middle, but he runs from sideline to sideline as well as dropping into coverage. WSU head coach Bill Doba said, “He’s really special.”