Washington (3-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) at No. 14 USC (4-1, 1-1)
When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Coliseum
TV/Radio: NBC (Ch. 4)/710 AM
Line: USC by 9½ points
NOTABLE INJURIES
USC: OUT: WR Corey Simms (undisclosed), C Kilian O’Connor (knee), S Kendarius Reddick (undisclosed), LB Desman Stephens (suspension); QUESTIONABLE: DT Jahkeem Stewart (foot), WR Trent Mosley (knee), S Alex Graham (undisclosed), TE Mark Bowman (undisclosed), LB Taylor “Taybo” Johnson (undisclosed), OL Hayden Treter (undisclosed), DT Alex VanSumeren (lower body).
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Washington: OUT: RB Jordan Washington (neck), WR Christian Moss (quad), RB Jayden Limar (elbow), RB Quaid Carr (hand), S CJ Christian (Achilles); QUESTIONABLE: C Landen Hatchett (wrist); PROBABLE: CB Emmanuel Karnley (soft tissue).
What’s at stake? Both of these teams are coming off of their first loss of the season – USC fell to Oregon last week and Washington lost to Minnesota. Both head coaches are on a hot seat, but at very different temperatures.
Lincoln Riley’s job is highly insecure after failing to capture a signature win against the Ducks and struggling to establish a defense, even with the help of defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. The Trojans have given up 26 points or more in every game this season except for a shutout of Fresno State in Week 1. Jedd Fisch is facing early pressure due to an offense that hasn’t scored more than 24 points in a game aside from its 48-16 victory over Eastern Washington, an FCS team.
Who’s better? USC far and away has the superior offense in this matchup, but its defense could be a liability. The Trojans have struggled both in pass coverage and against the run, making the Huskies’ dual-threat quarterback, Demond Williams, a potential challenge.
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Matchup to watch: Demond Williams vs. USC’s pass rush. This is a quarterback who can do a lot, and the Trojans’ defense will have to communicate effectively and play as one if they want to contain him. USC has given up 47 passing plays over 10 yards this season, and Williams is averaging 8.2 yards per pass.
USC wins if: The Trojans’ defense needs a breakthrough, and fast. Washington’s offensive line has allowed 10 sacks this season, so the game could be under control early if USC can get to the quarterback.
Prediction: USC 28, Washington 21. The Trojans get the bounce-back win, but not without a few scares.
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