First Look: WSU vs. USC
Time: 12:30 p.m. Saturday TV: ABC
The records: WSU (3-4, 0-4 Pac-10), USC (7-0, 4-0 Pac-10)
Last week: WSU lost to California 42-38, USC won at Washington 51-24.
Last time: USC beat WSU 42-12 in Pullman on Oct. 30, 2004.
What it means for WSU: Aside from the obvious — a chance to beat the No. 1 team in the nation and pull off the most stunning sports upset of the year — the Cougars will have to show how they’re handling the current four-game losing streak. Last season against USC the Cougars rolled over at home, entering on a three-game skid and then falling behind 14-0 before taking a single snap on offense. Now it’s WSU’s chance to show a little toughness matching up against the Trojan juggernaut. A win would also make the team’s slim chances of making a postseason run more realistic.
What it means for USC: Life at USC means every game is important because a single loss would torpedo this team’s season. The Trojans are looking for a third consecutive national championship and to do so they must beat every team in front of them, including WSU, a 29-point underdog. The Trojans had to play five of their first seven games on the road this season, so surviving that stretch also gives them a shot now to play in from of the home fans. USC has already played its share of close games this season, so an easy win would help the psyche. Plus, the Trojans were dropped to No. 2 in the BCS rankings this week, so a little proof for the naysayers who dropped USC behind Texas wouldn’t hurt.
USC’s best: Pete Carroll is in his fifth year as head coach at USC and has posted an impressive 49-9 record. The former defensive backs coach has needed all his coaching acumen to help a struggling secondary.
On offense, the Trojans have been unstoppable, scoring at least 34 points in every game and more than 40 five times. Running back/punt returner/kick returner Reggie Bush looks like he might add Heisman Trophy winner to a long list of accomplishments, taking a handoff from last year’s winner, quarterback Matt Leinart. LenDale White is one of the best rushers in the nation but he shares carries with Bush. Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett might constitute the best wide receiver combo in the country. Tight end Dominique Byrd is a future NFL draft pick. And by the way, the offensive line has been dominant with tackles Winston Justice and Sam Baker pancaking defenders left and right. Any questions?
Defensively USC isn’t nearly as strong this season, though the front four led by end Frostee Rucker has gotten a good pass rush. Injuries have cost the Trojans key players at linebacker and secondary, though safety Darnell Bing is still a standout.
The numbers: The Cougars are ninth in the nation in scoring offense at 39.1 points a game, making them just one of two teams in the top 37 to have a losing record. Arizona State, one spot behind WSU in scoring and also 3-4, is the other. The two schools are the only ones in the top 17 in total offense with a losing record as well. … The Cougars are 92nd in scoring defense and 82nd in total defense. USC is No. 1 in scoring offense. … In last year’s WSU-USC game, the Cougars managed 11 first downs and 156 total yards. Jerome Harrison had 11 carries for 15 yards (he’s gone for 100-plus in every game since).
–Glenn Kasses