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The pick: Why Washington State will beat USC

LOS ANGELES – The home-field advantage the Trojans should have in this game won’t be as advantageous as it usually is and USC’s win streak – which is currently second best in the country – is in grave danger for the first time this season. Projecting this matchup is difficult because all three of the Trojans’ opponents would probably beat all three of Washington State’s. The Cougars are 3-0, but their strength of schedule has been the weakest of any Pac-12 team not named Oregon. The Trojans are 1-2 after road losses to Stanford and Texas – and surely they’re viewing this game as an opportunity to reboot their season. That doesn’t change the fact the Trojans still haven’t found an efficient way to move the football. USC’s current point-per-game average (20) certainly doesn’t hold up against a WSU team that’s averaging more than 43. If the Trojans’ offensive line can’t find a way to protect J.T. Daniels, the USC rookie will likely be forced to make a few ill-advised throws. The Cougars scored 24 points off turnovers last week and it could be a key for them again.

The pick: Washington State 30, USC 27.