First look

Time: 5 p.m. Saturday. TV: ABC

The records: WSU, 2-1; 0-0; No. 1-ranked USC, 2-0; 0-0

Last week: WSU defeated Idaho 45-28 at Martin Stadium; USC defeated then-No. 14 Nebraska, 49-31 in Lincoln, Neb.

Last time: USC won 28-22 in Pullman last season

The line: USC by 24 1/2

What it means for WSU: An upset win in the Pac-10 opener would put the Cougars on the football radar for the first time this season. It could rocket players like Alex Brink, one of the nation’s most overlooked quarterbacks, and Michael Bumpus into the national spotlight and lead to postseason awards. It would be a giant boost for WSU’s bowl hopes. And it would put the Cougars atop the Pac-10 standings.

What it means for USC: The Trojans are coming off a statement win at Nebraska. They play surprisingly tough Washington in Seattle next week. So Saturday’s opponent might be easy to overlook. But that hasn’t been the track record during the Pete Carroll era at USC. A ranked Trojans team has never lost to an unranked team at home under Carroll. If it were to happen Saturday, Southern California’s national championship dreams would probably disappear.

Key matchup: WSU’s defensive line vs. USC’s offensive line.

The Trojans rushed for 313 yards against Nebraska, including 144 from Stafon Johnson, and averaged more than eight yards a carry. The power running game started up front, where the USC line, headed by two-time All-American Sam Baker, opened huge holes in the Cornhuskers front. Returning first-team Pac-10 quarterback John David Booty was sacked twice, but had enough time to hit 19 of 30 passes for 144 yards. The Cougars need to stop the run and make Booty and an inexperienced group of receivers carry the load. To do that, the defensive line is going to have to clog up holes, occupy the blockers and allow WSU’s linebackers to make tackles.

Vince Grippi