The pick: Why Washington State will beat USC

Pullman – cougar fanatics have wretched reminiscences of usc’s closing ride to the inland northwest. in reality, hardly ever has a visit from the trojans ended in something other than washington nation heartbreak.

ok, almost every sport between these two – regardless of the time, the date, the place or the tint of the jerseys worn that day – has gone awry for the cougars.

usc has gained 87 percent (fifty nine of sixty eight) of those that didn’t lead to a tie and minus blips in 2013, 2002 and 2000, the trojans have received each sport performed between those two this millennium. maximum haven’t been mainly close, either. the final five usc victories: forty four-17 in 2014, 50-16 in 2010, 27-6 in 2009, sixty nine-0 in 2008 and 47-14 in 2007.

don’t worry, the cougars will do enough to maintain enthusiasts fascinated beyond halftime friday night time and they’re capable of doing a great deal extra than that.

allow’s damage it down.

the trojans convey a no. 5 ranking and all the strain that incorporates it. they’ve carried out it nicely to this point, however this usc group hasn’t but been tested in front of a difficult avenue crowd (sorry, golden bears) and the trojans additionally haven’t left the state of california for a recreation in view that week 10 final season. the cougars rank quite low at the sos (power of agenda) scale in the meanwhile, however of usc’s 4 opponents, only cal has a triumphing document. it’s a brief week for both, however in idea that’s usually tougher at the team that’s travelling – and no avenue ride inside the %-12 is extra awkward than the one to pullman.

the cougars have lost peyton pelluer for the season, but the trojans will play this game without their top tight quit, their top linebacker and their second-quality receiver. and permit’s see how healthy deontay burnett, who neglected multiple practices this week with a shoulder harm, genuinely is.

the trojans have a knack for gradual starts, the cougars have a knack for starting speedy. usc’s qb has thrown seven selections, wazzu’s has thrown one. the trojans are a number of the fine within the us of a at robbing the ball from their combatants but the cougars aren’t giving it away tons.

it’s about time mike leach and luke falk get a marquee win, isn’t it?