SEATTLE – Normally, you can take away a team’s running game, or a team’s passing game and that makes things just a little easier. But there’s nothing normal about playing USC.
The two-time defending national champion Trojans, ranked No. 1 and winners of 28 in a row, sport the most balanced and dangerous offense in the country, and one of the best of all time.
With a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, two All-American running backs, some big, fast receivers, a talented tight end and a big offensive line, USC (3-0 Pacific-10 Conference, 6-0 overall) has proven to be impossible to slow down. Oh, the Trojans have been slowed for a quarter, even a half, but eventually their offense, averaging a nation-best 613 yards and 48.7 points (second in the country), gets going.
Teams have found that you can try to take away one of USC’s weapons, maybe even two, but there are just too many for any defense to account for – much less a Washington defense that ranks eighth in the conference in total defense.
So, what do the Huskies (0-3, 1-5) do when they play host to USC at 12:30 p.m. today at Husky Stadium?
“We’ve got to do a lot of things right,” Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said. “It’s one of those games where you’ve got to play mistake-free. We need some help from them. They have to make some mistakes, do some things that are uncharacteristic of them. But the big thing is to get us to perform and execute to our best. If we do that then the game usually takes care of itself.”
Linebacker Scott White said it will start with stopping the run. Of course, that means stopping Reggie Bush (126.8 yards a game, 8.8 yards a carry, nine touchdowns) and LenDale White (107 yards a game, 7.1 a carry, 11 TDs). As a team, the Trojans average an enviable 6.8 yards a carry.
“It has to start with stopping the run,” Scott White said.
Of course, it’s been the Washington secondary that has been the biggest weakness this season, so the Trojans may look to attack the Huskies through the air. Quarterback Matt Leinart is completing 63 percent of his passes for 324.5 yards a game.
Leinart’s top targets are 6-foot-5 Dwayne Jarrett (39 catches, nine touchdowns) and Steve Smith (110.8 yards a game, 21.5 yards a catch). Two underrated players could step up as well: tight end Dominque Byrd is averaging 12.6 yards on 12 catches and fullback David Kirtman, from Mercer Island, is averaging 14.1 yards on 12 catches. In all, the Trojans average 8.0 yards per play, meaning they have very few second- or third-and-longs.
“We have to try to take away their big plays,” said cornerback Matt Fountaine. “We have to try to keep them in front of us and make them work to score. We can’t just let them do whatever they want.”
“They stress you on all levels,” said Arizona coach Mike Stoops, whose team was beat 42-21 by USC earlier this season. “They block you well, they run, they pass. They have no weaknesses. They’re tough to pressure because of the way they run the ball. They’re equipped to handle whatever you throw at them.”
Arizona did have some success staying competitive, and considering the Wildcats are tied with the Huskies for last in the Pac-10, maybe Washington can learn something from that game. Arizona had success throwing the ball, and may have taken advantage of USC looking past it. But eventually, that evens itself out.
“You’d have to combine about six teams,” Stoops said. “You have to have an offense first that controls their defense. You have to try to control the ball at least half the time. Then a defense that’s physical and adjustable. A great secondary and great pressure up front to get them off the field on third downs. And a great kicking game.”
Washington’s offense has been inconsistent, particularly in its ability to convert third downs (26 percent) and get into the end zone (20.5 points a game). The defense has not tackled well and the secondary has been bad. There hasn’t been much pressure on quarterbacks (11 sacks) and stopping teams on third-down has been a problem (44 percent). But, Washington’s kicking game has been good, at least.
Washington does have two things going for it.
First, the Huskies know they can at least play with USC for a half. Last year, Washington’s blitzed over and over and trailed USC just 10-0 at halftime before the defense wore down in the second half. White said blitzes were the key in keeping Leinart off balance.
“If you can get to him early and make him press a little bit, that’s your best chance to get him out of rhythm,” White said. “Because if you let him get in rhythm and let him sit back there, he’s going to dice you. The more creative looks you can give him and keep them off balance, the best chance you have.”
Second, after last week’s emotional win at Notre Dame, and considering they are a 30-point favorite, the Trojans could be in position for a let down.
“We don’t have much to lose,” receiver Craig Chambers said. “We can just go out and play. These guys have everything on the line. It can be tough to play with that pressure every week.”
“The pressure’s on them,” Washington offensive coordinator Tim Lappano said. “If there’s ever a time to just go relax and have fun, this is it.
“It’s not always you get a chance to play the No. 1 team in college football that’s making history. Things happen funny in college football every week. I don’t think we have to put undue pressure on ourselves. … We don’t have anything to lose, and everything to gain.”
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