USC football could set up an epic matchup with Utah but they can’t get caught looking ahead and underestimating Washington State.
USC has not started 6-0 since 2006. They’re one win away from hitting that mark in Lincoln Riley’s first season in charge. All that stands in the way is Washington State.
The Cougars also stand in the way of USC keeping up their end of the bargain and setting up a potentially massive Top 10 matchup with Utah next week.
The Trojans are bigger favorites over the 4-1 Cougars than you might imagine. Wynn Bet has them at -11. WSU certainly isn’t a team people expected much from this season either. It would be easy to overlook them, but USC will regret doing that.
USC football has another test to pass with Wazzu
Washington State’s Cam Ward is a dangerous quarterback averaging the third-most passing yards per game and passing touchdowns in the Pac-12 this season. He might rival Caleb Williams with his ability to extend plays.
Yes, he’s also somewhat turnover prone and that will play into the hands of USC’s opportunistic defense. However, turnover luck comes into play, and if this is how the game turns out for the Trojans it could be devastating. Wazzu’s offense ranks 11th nationally in red zone conversions. If turnovers aren’t coming they are capable of putting up points.
Oregon almost ran afoul of this team. It took a furious fourth-quarter comeback for the Ducks to survive.
USC has the firepower to outlast the Cougars as well. However, injuries on the offensive line have made life difficult for Caleb Williams and Washington State is good at getting to the quarterback. This one could get chaotic. If it does, who knows what team will come out on top.
The Trojans will want to start fast and pull away quickly so that the Cougars don’t get ideas of an upset in their heads.
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