Kickoff: 4 p.m. at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
TV: ABC (Channel 4).
Radio: KRKO radio (1380 AM).
Washington State: 7-1, 4-0 in the Pacific-10 Conference.
USC: 7-1, 3-1 in the Pac-10.
Washington State: Bill Doba (7-1 in his first year).
USC: Pete Carroll (24-9 in his third year).
Washington State: Quarterback Matt Kegel has a bum left shoulder, which may help explain the five interceptions he threw against Oregon State. He has, however, been very effective and sometimes explosive this season. The tailback situation isn’t good, with both Jonathan Smith (ankle) and Jermaine Green (ribs) hurting. Receivers Sammy Moore and Devard Darling are solid. Defensively, D.D. Acholonu and Will Derting are among the conference leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. Jason David continues sterling play at corner, with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
USC: Matt Leinart has taken over at quarterback for Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer and the Trojans are just as potent. Receivers Mike Williams and Keary Colbert are as dangerous as any in the conference. LeDale White and Hershel Dennis are fine tailbacks, but Reggie Bush broke down Washington the most with his speed.
Washington State: RB Jermaine Green (ribs) is questionable. RB Jonathan Smith (ankle) is probable. OL Sam Lightbody (leg) is probable. QB Matt Kegel (shoulder) is probable. LB Pat Bennett (biceps) is questionable. WR Chris Jordan (groin) is questionable. TE Troy Bienemann (back) is doubtful.
USC: LB Matt Grootegoed (ankle) is questionable. OL Jacob Rogers (knee) is probable. DB Ronald Nunn (eye) is probable. DB Kevin Arbet (foot) is out. TE Dominique Byrd (knee) is out.
Washington State: The mistakes the Cougars had last week against Oregon State won’t fly here. The Trojans pounce on mistakes and make teams pay. With the tailbacks hurting, Kegel has to have his best game as a Cougar. The defense has to pressure Leinart and avoid getting beaten on USC’s wildly successful misdirection throws.
USC: The Trojans have more speed than the Cougars have seen this season. Bush is a game-breaker. Leinart can burn anyone deep with Colbert and Williams. If the great USC offensive line protects Leinart as well as it’s capable, down goes WSU’s great weapon in the pass rush.
USC may be the best team in the country, including Oklahoma. The Trojans force teams to play to their speed. It’s a lot to ask WSU.
Pick: USC, 38-21.
John Sleeper, Herald Writer
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