First look: USC at WSU

Time: 4 p.m. Saturday TV: TBS

Records: USC (3-0, 1-0 Pac-10); WSU (3-1, 1-0).

Last week: USC defeated Arizona 20-3 on the road; WSU defeated Stanford 36-10 on the road.

Last time: USC made short order of WSU last season in the Los Angeles Coliseum, defeating the Cougars 55-13. The Trojans scored four first-quarter touchdowns and Matt Leinart had a field day picking apart the Cougars defense. His counterpart, WSU quarterback Alex Brink, had one of his worst days as a college starter, throwing for just 64 yards before coming out in garbage time.

The line: USC by 16 1/2

What it means for USC: The Trojans, winners of 48 of their last 50 games, have dominated the Cougars in recent years and will come to Pullman expecting to do so again. The offense has struggled – at least when considering what USC is used to doing – and that unit will be looking to improve its fortunes against a Cougars defense that thinks it has finally started to turn a corner. USC harbors legitimate national title dreams and it’s getting to a point in the season where one loss will significantly damage those possibilities. The Trojans also have a 24-game conference win streak and a 17-game road win streak to protect.

What it means for WSU: The Cougars have as much momentum now as they have in years thanks to three straight wins, including last week’s to open the conference season. This week will provide a sterner test than WSU is likely to see for the rest of the season, so they’ll get to prove just how much they can shine under the spotlight. Auburn, now No. 2 in the country, was No. 4 in Week 1 when WSU lost to it 40-14. This week provides an excellent opportunity for the Cougars to show how far they’ve come in the four weeks since. It’ll also be the first game they’ve played in Martin Stadium since Sept. 9, perhaps affording some degree of a home-field advantage.

Key matchup: WSU running backs vs. Rey Maualuga

USC allowed minus-16 rushing yards to Arizona last week and Maualuga, the Trojans’ middle linebacker, has had a lot to do with USC’s success of late against the run. Cougars running backs, most notably DeMaundray Woolridge and Dwight Tardy, will have to do better in between the tackles against USC’s leading tackler if Washington State is to control the pace of the game and have a chance to pull off an upset.

Injury update: For the Cougars, center Josh Duin’s status is uncertain because of an MCL sprain, but he’s not expected to practice today. Cornerback Markus Dawes (high ankle sprain) and tight end Jesse Taylor (MCL sprain) might be able to return this week if they fare well in practice. For the Trojans, All-America wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett (shoulder sprain) most likely will not be able to play, and fullback Stanley Havili is out after suffering a broken leg at Arizona.

Glenn Kasses