USC defeats Washington State, 44-17, at Martin Stadium

The rain poured down in Pullman, Wash., on Saturday, and USC poured it on.

The Trojans left no room for a Washington State comeback in a 44-17 victory over the Cougars.

USC improved to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the Pac-12 Conference. Washington State fell to 2-7, 1-5.

Through a drifting fog in Martin Stadium, quarterback Cody Kessler shined.

Kessler completed 21 of 32 passes for a career-high 400 yards and five touchdowns.

The Trojans jumped to a 14-0 lead less than five minutes into the game when Nelson Agholor returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown and then the Trojans converted an interception by Hayes Pullard into a touchdown.

Agholor caught eight passes for 220 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown reception.

USC, which has surrendered a fourth-quarter lead twice this season, never took its foot off the accelerator.

Receiver JuJu Smith caught six passes for 74 yards and three touchdowns while Javorius Allen eclipsed 100 yards for his sixth consecutive game. Allen rushed for 114 yards in 19 carries.

Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday left the game in the first quarter after he was sacked by Leonard Williams because of an apparent leg injury.

Backup Luke Falk completed 38 of 57 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

USC linebacker Su’a Cravens sustained a sprained knee in the second quarter and did not return. He will undergo further tests when the team returns to Los Angeles, USC announced.

USC has an open date next Saturday. The Trojans will play California on Thursday, Nov. 13.

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Washington State takes over on its own 20-yard line.

Luke Falk completes a seven-yard pass to Theron West as time expires.

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USC will start at its own 40-yard line.

Backup Max Browne in again at quarterback for USC.

Browne hands off to Javorius Allen the first two plays and Allen gains a first down -- credit right guard Khaliel Rodgers for blocking two Cougars to make space for Allen’s carry.

Browne hands off to Allen for his fourth consecutive carry and Allen has now rushed 100 yards in six consecutive games and eight of USC’s nine games this season.

The fog is getting thicker by the minute.

Browne hands off again, this time to Justin Davis.

Third and four, the snap from Max Tuerk flies over the top of Browne’s head.

Fourth and 16, Browne hands off to Davis who is tackled short of the first down.

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USC 44, Washington State 17 (5:30 left in the fourth quarter)

USC will start at its own eight-yard line.

Max Browne is in at quarterback for USC.

Browne hands off to Javorius Allen, who is stripped, and the Cougars get the ball right back.

First and goal for Washington State.

Delvon Simmons sacks Luke Falk on third down.

Fourth and goal, Isiah Myers makes an athletic catch in front of Chris Hawkins in the end zone for a Washington State touchdown.

The extra point is good.

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Washington State will start at its own 21-yard line.

Claude Pelon nearly sacked Luke Falk on second down, but Falk somehow slips out of Pelon’s arms.

USC picks up its first penalty on defense, Anthony Sarao is called for unnecessary roughness tackling Falk.

Adoree’ Jackson almost intercepts Nick Falk on second down.

On third down, Falk is forced out of bounds but Chris Hawkins is called for a ten-yard holding penalty - and Washington State gets an automatic first down.

Charles Burks is in at outside linebacker for USC. Michael Hutchings is at middle linebacker.

Third and five, Falk completes a pass to Vince Mayle in front of Adoree’ Jackson.

Greg Townsend, Jr. has played the majority of the game in place of Antwaun Woods -- who was sidelined during practice this week because of an ear infection.

Mayle somehow drops a pass that hits him in the hands in teh end zone.

Falk goes for it on fourth down, but Jackson breaks up the play.

USC will takeover on downs.

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USC 44, Washington State 10 (12:18 left in the fourth quarter)

Washington State will start from its own 25-yard line.

On second down, Theron West rushes 26-yards to USC’s 48-yard line.

Luke Falk completes back-to-back passes to reach a first down.

And that’s the end of the third quarter.

USC fans have to be happy about how the Trojans are playing in Pullman. After a lull in the second quarter, they finish the third quarter strong and keep their foot on the accelerator.

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson and Leon McQuay collide in mid-air defending a pass and both are laying on the turf.

McQuay was cutting across the field and made an interception, but Jackson was guarding the receiver and did not see McQuay flying through the air as the two collided (the ball came loose).

Jackson is holding his arm, as McQuay stands and walks to the sideline.

Two plays later, Jackson is back on the field but McQuay is still on the sideline.

Falk is not ready for the snap on first down, fumbles it, and Scott Felix recovers it.

USC takes over on its own 30-yard line.

Cody Kessler hands off to Javorius Allen who rushes 10 yards.

Allen rushes nine yards the next play.

Kessler throws to JuJu Smith for a first down. The offense is speeding up its tempo.

George Farmer draws pass interference and USC picks up an automatic first down.

USC’s offensive line is called for another penalty, this time its holding on Zach Banner.

First and 20 for the Trojans, Kessler completes a 23-yard pass to Steven Mitchell. That is Mitchell’s first reception of the game.

A play later, Mitchell catches his second touchdown of the season.

Andre Heidari’s extra point is good.

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USC 37, Washington State 10 (1:33 to play in the third quarter)

Fog creeping back into Martin Stadium.

USC will start at its own 28-yard line.

Javorius Allen rushes 17-yards.

Justin Davis rushes 22-yards the next play.

The Trojans’ run game has sputtered, but its starting to pick up momentum -- and Coach Mike Leach can feel it. He calls a timeout.

Leach’s timeout does the Cougars’ defense good.

Except Coach Steve Sarkisian decides to go for it on fourth and seven and Kessler completes a 21-yard pass to Nelson Agholor.

Next play, Kessler throws a seven-yard touchdown pass to JuJu Smith. That’s Smith’s third touchdown of the game.

Andre Heidari slices the extra point and it is no good.

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Washington State will start at its own 23-yard line.

After a promising drive that resulted in a field goal, the Cougars offense stalls and is unable to reach a first down.

Hayes Pullard nearly intercepts his second pass of the game.

Washington State punts.

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USC 31, Washington State 10 (5:51 left in the third quarter)

USC will start at its own 13-yard line.

Cody Kessler’s pass to George Farmer is incomplete.

Kessler looks and throws deep on second down -- an 87-yard touchdown to Nelson Agholor who is far in front of his defender.

Andre Heidari’s extra point is good.

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Washington State starts on its own 16-yard line.

Luke Falk and the Cougars are starting to find an offensive rhythm.

Falk completes a 32-yard pass to Vince Mayle for a first down, Leon McQuay makes the last-chance tackle.

USC’s defensive line got pressure on Falk, but he slipped out of the grasp of both Leonard Williams and Scott Felix.

Quinton Powell is in at outside linebacker and walk-on Matt Lopes at safety for USC.

Coach Mike Leach is going for it on fourth and one.

Falk throws to Mayle, who reaches for a first down.

Back to back first down play for the Cougars, as Falk completes a screen pass to Theron West.

Washington State has first and goal.

USC’s red zone defense holds. Adoree’ Jackson defends the third-down pass.

Washington State kicks a 27-yard field goal as the rain comes down.

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USC will start on its own 18-yard line.

Cody Kessler hands off to Javorius Allen.

Nelson Agholor with a catch and run for a first down after stiff arming a defender.

Kessler is sacked on first down after Toa Lobendahn is unable to hold his block.

Second and 14, Kessler throws a first-down pass to Agholor.

USC’s up-tempo offense is not so speedy right now, taking a long time between plays to look to the sidelines for the play call.

The Trojans are in another third down situation and Kessler’s pass to Randall Telfer falls incomplete.

Kris Albarado punts.

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Washington State will start the second half on its own 29-yard line.

Luke Falk completes a 27-yard pass to start the half.

Walk-on safety Matt Lopes is playing in place of Su’a Cravens, who was injured in the first half.

Falk is sacked by Greg Townsend, Jr.

Third and 25, Falk’s pass is complete but short of the first down.

The television broadcast reported that Cravens will be sidelined the remainder of the game because of a sprained knee.

Washington State punts.

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Here are some halftime statistics:

Cody Kessler has completed 13 of 22 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns.

Javorius Allen has rushed 34 yards in seven carries.

Nelson Agholor, JuJu Smith and George Farmer each have over 50 receiving yards. Smith has two touchdown receptions.

Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday completed six of nine passes for 40 yards, with an interception, before he was sidelined in the first quarter because of an injury.

Backup quarterback Nick Falk has completed 15 of 24 passes for a 122 yards and a touchdown, with an interception.

USC linebacker Hayes Pullard and safety Leon McQuay both interecepted a pass.

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Washington State will start on its own 33-yard line.

Luke Falk completes a seven-yard pass to Tyler Baker.

Falk barely avoids getting sacked by Greg Townsend, Jr. and comes up hobbling on his foot -- after he steps on Coach Mike Leach’s foot on the sideline.

Falk throws deep and is intercepted by a leaping Leon McQuay, who is tackled to end the half.

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USC will start on its own 19-yard line.

Cody Kessler’s first-down pass to Javorius Allen is incomplete.

Allen rushes two yards.

Third and nine, Kessler goes right back to Allen, who catches an 18-yard pass.

Su’a Cravens is walked into the locker room by the training staff.

Kessler is sacked on second down.

Third and 16, Kessler aims deep for Allen who has two defenders on top of him. The pass falls incomplete.

Kris Albarado punts.

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USC 24, Washington 7 (1:33 left in the second quarter)

Washington State will start from its own 19-yard line.

Luke Falk completes a 19-yard pass on second down.

Falk is keeping the drive alive himself, scrambling a few yards for a first down.

Gerald Bowman makes a nice tackle on Tyler Baker, keeping Baker short of the first down.

Don Williams catches a first-down pass in front of Su’a Cravens.

Falk has completed six passes in a row.

USC’s pass rush finally puts pressure on Falk and forces him to throw the ball away on second down.

Falk completes a 23-yard pass to Robert Lewis in front of freshman safety John Plattenburg.

Washington State scores a touchdown on a nine-yard pass from Falk to Lewis.

Cravens is down on the field for USC and is assisted off by the training staff. Cravens is walking gingerly on his right leg.

There was no contact on the play when Cravens was hurt.

The Cougars’ extra point is good.

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USC 24, Washington State 0 (6:13 left in the second quarter)

Washington State will start on its own 28-yard line.

The Cougars get backed up to second and 20 after their offensive line is called for holding.

Su’a Cravens makes a nice tackle in open space.

Quarterback Luke Falk is encouraging Coach Mike Leach to let the Cougars go for it on fourth and two.

Falk throws on fourth down and the pass is broken up by Cravens and Adoree’ Jackson.

USC takes over on Washington State’s 36-yard line.

Cody Kessler throws a lateral pass to Nelson Agholor who dodges two tackles and somehow -- this time -- manages to stay inbounds down the sideline and runs for a touchdown.

The play is under review.

I stand corrected, Agholor stepped out of bounds (by maybe a quarter of an inch).

First and ten at Washington State’s 22-yard line and Kessler throws a great pass to JuJu Smith in the end zone. Kessler could not have thrown a more perfect pass between Smith and the defender.

That’s Smith’s second touchdown of the game and fourth of the season.

Andre Heidari’s extra point is good.

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USC starts on its own 31-yard line.

JuJu Smith catches a four-yard pass from Cody Kessler.

Javorius Allen is stuffed for no gain.

Third and six, Kessler scrambles and completes a pass to JuJu Smith but Smith is tackled short of the first down.

Kris Albarado punts.

Allen has rushed 32 yards in six carries, but had a 49-yard rush called back earlier in the game because of a holding penalty.

Kessler has completed 10 of 16 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.

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Washington State will start on its own 25-yard line.

Su’a Cravens nearly intercepts Luke Falk’s first-down pass. Cravens needed another inch on his vertical to make the catch.

Kevon Seymour breaks up a pass over the middle. Seymour has done a nice job the last two games on coverage. He told me this week he gains confidence with each play and continues to push his aggressiveness - and will do so until he gets called for a penalty.

Falk’s third-down pass is incomplete.

Washington State punts.

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USC 17, Washington State 0 (10:37 left in the second quarter)

USC will start at its own 31-yard line.

Nelson Agholor catches a 49-yard pass from Cody Kessler to start the drive.

Kessler has not hesitated to throw down field since his record-breaking performance against Colorado.

But the drive stalls again after a third-down pass is nowhere near George Farmer, Kessler looks frustrated after the play.

Andre Heidari kicks a 37-yard field goal. This is the first game Heidari has kicked a field goal since the Trojans played Arizona State.

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Washington State will start on its own three-yard line.

Theron West rushes 14 yards.

Luke Falk completes an eight-yard pass to Tyler Baker in front of Hayes Pullard.

The fog really getting thick now in Martin Stadium.

Vince Mayle drops a third-down pass.

Washington State punts.

This certainly is not the game we expected to see since Connor Halliday was carted off the field in the first quarter. The Cougars, who are known for their air-raid offense, have rushed 10 times and have attempted 15 passes.

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USC will start from its own 10-yard line.

Javorius Allen rushes for two yards.

USC’s offensive is called for a penalty, it’s the Trojans’ fourth penalty of the game.

On second and 13, Allen rushes eight yards.

That’s the end of the first quarter.

George Farmer catches his third pass for a 17-yard gain.

Allen rushes 19-yards the next play.

Kessler is sacked by two Washington State linemen and Max Tuerk is called for holding - that’s the fifth penalty against USC - but the penalty is declined.

Kessler’s third-down pass to JuJu Smith is incomplete, nice coverage by the Cougars to break up the play.

Kris Albarado punts.

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Washington State will start on its own 40-yard line.

The Cougars pick up five yards before Hayes Pullard makes a tackle.

Jamal Morrow rushes five yards for a first down.

The Cougars have rushed three consecutive plays - out of character for a team that is known for passing the ball, but with Connor Halliday sidelined because of an injury, they are changing the game plan.

Third and two, quarterback Luke Falk fumbles the snap. The Cougars fall on it but they will be forced to punt.

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USC will start at its own 15-yard line .

Cody Kessler completes a four-yard pass ot Nelson Agholor.

Javorius Allen rushes 49 yards and was tripped by a last-chance tackle, otherwise he would have been into the end zone. But the play will come back, USC is called for holding.

USC is back on its own 11-yard line.

Kessler avoids a sack and completes a short pass for no gain to Justin Davis.

Third and 15 for USC from its own 10-yard line and Davis does not come close to rushing for a first down.

Kris Albarado punts.

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After a penalty, Washington State will start from its own eight-yard line.

Connor Halliday completes a nine-yard pass to Jamal Morrow.

Washington State reaches a first down for the first time on a Morrow two-yard carry.

Third and six, Halliday completes a 14-yard pass to Vince Mayle, but Halliday takes a big on the play from defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Halliday is in apparent pain, laying on the field.

Halliday was put on a board and carted off the field, as Cody Kessler and Hayes Pullard walked over to wish him well.

Redshirt freshman Luke Falk replaces Halliday at quarterback.

On third down, Falk scrambles for a first down.

The fog is starting to roll back in at Martin Stadium and the wind is blowing at about 15 miles per hour.

Falk’s third-down pass falls incomplete.

The Cougars will punt.

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USC 14, Washington State 0 (10:33 left in the first quarter)

Nelson Agholor’s punt return for a touchdown breaks a USC record, Agholor has returned four punts for a touchdown.

Washington State will start from its own 25-yard line.

Connor Halliday completes a seven-yard pass to Theron West.

On third down, Hayes Pullard intercepts Halliday and returns it to Washington State’s 19-yard line.

Cody Kessler throws a 17-yard pass to Nelson Agholor over the middle for an easy completion.

USC on the two-yard line, but freshman Viane Talamaivao is called for a false start.

Javorius Allen goes untouched and rushes for a touchdown, but it’s called back. Zach Banner is called for a chop block and the Trojans are backed up to the 23-yard line.

Kessler throws for the end zone, but it is incomplete to Randall Telfer.

JuJu Smith catches a wide-open pass from Kessler for a touchdown.

Andre Heidari kicks the extra point.

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USC 7, Washington State 0 (12:13 left in the first quarter)

Nelson Agholor returns the punt 65 yards for a USC touchdown.

Andre Heidari kicks the extra point.

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Washington State will start at its own 15-yard line.

Connor Halliday throws three passes - completes two - but does not gain a first down.

The Cougars will punt.

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USC won the toss and elected to receive.

USC will start from its own 18-yard line.

Cody Kessler completes a 20-yard pass to George Farmer the first play of the game. Farmer was not listed in the starting lineup, but returns after sitting out two games because of a hamstring injury.

Farmer catches his second pass on the second play of the game - both for a first down.

The drive stalls on third down after two incomplete passes to Javorius Allen.

USC punts.

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USC announced starting lineups.

The offense: Quarterback Cody Kessler, tailback Javorius Allen, fullback Jahleel Pinner, tight end Randall Telfer, receivers JuJu Smith and Nelson Agholor, and linemen Toa Lobendahn, Khaliel Rodgers, Max Tuerk, Viane Talamaivao and Zach Banner.

The defense: Linemen Leonard Williams, Antwaun Woods and Delvon Simmons, outside linebackers Su’a Cravens and J.R. Tavai, inside linebackers Anthony Sarao and Hayes Pullard, cornerbacks Kevon Seymour and Adoree’ Jackson and safeties Gerald Bowman and John Plattenburg.

Starting left tackle Chad Wheeler tore his anterior cruciate ligament last week at Utah, so Lobendahn is now at left tackle -- he played there in high school. Rodgers practiced at right guard during spring and fall camp before he sprained his knee in August. The offensive line will be a group to watch closely today, four of the five linemen are first-year starters.

Woods sat out practice this week because of an ear infection, it will be interesting to see how he performs today. Tavai was injured at Utah and despite USC announcing him as a starter, I’d be shocked if he plays - expect Scott Felix at outside linebacker. Bowman sat out last week because of a foot injury, he could be limited today.

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About 40 minutes before kick-off here at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash.

There has been no rain -- but fog is rolling in.

For USC, that harkens memories to 2004, when the Trojans pulled out an early-November victory at Oregon State in fog-shrouded Reser Stadium.

It was not foggy here earlier, but it was chilly when USC arrived.

Linemen embraced the elements by removing their shirts as they gathered in groups at midfield and the end zone.