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Last week: USC beat Washington 38-0; WSU lost at Oregon State 38-19.

The series: The Trojans have dominated the Cougars since they first played in 1921. USC holds a 51-8-4 edge – and the .159 winning percentage is WSU’s worst against any opponent it has played more than seven times. The long-term history of this series hasn’t quite held true of late, however. WSU has won three of the last six matchups and two of the last three. Last year, the Trojans ended a six-game Cougars win streak with a 43-16 victory in Los Angeles. At the time, USC was ranked third in the nation and WSU sixth, but USC dominated the second half, scoring 28 points to put away the Cougars. Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart went 17 of 31 for 191 yards with three touchdown passes, and LenDale White ran for 149 yards on 12 carries – and both are back this season. WSU hurt itself with 15 penalties and two bad punt snaps.

The Trojans:

On the sideline, Pete Carroll is 36-9 in his fourth year as head coach of the Trojans. He has led them to a BCS bowl game the last two seasons, including a co-national championship in the 2003 season.

On the field, USC is widely considered to have the most talented roster in college football. Quarterback Matt Leinart entered the year as a Heisman Trophy favorite but has since been overshadowed by the brilliant play of running back Reggie Bush, who has been a triple threat as a rusher, receiver and returner for the Trojans. (He’s also thrown a 52-yard touchdown pass for good measure.) True freshman wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett has six touchdown receptions and has helped fill the void left by Mike Williams’ departure and an injury to the team’s top wideout, Steve Smith. On defense, linemen Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson have combined for 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for losses. Linebacker Lofa Tatupu leads the team with 54 tackles. And, just for good measure, Tom Malone is one of the best punters in the game.

USC has won 16 games in a row, second best streak in the nation.

The stats:

The Trojans have been dominant in the second half of games this season, outscoring opponents 111-17 – 55-3 in the fourth quarter alone.

USC is also second in the nation in turnover margin, at plus-1.86 per game.

After holding the ball for just 24:15 against Oregon State, the Cougars are last in the Pac-10 in time of possession at 26:43 a game. Washington is next-to-last at 28:21.

–Glenn Kasses, Staff writer