History Is Not on the Trojans’ Side

The Trojans, who opened as 18-point underdogs against No. 7 Washington this week, haven’t beaten a Husky team ranked in the top 10 since 1986 and have never beaten a top-10 Washington team in Seattle.

USC is 3-4 in such games, with victories in 1962, ’84 and ’86 and losses in 1936, ‘60, ’91 and ’92.

“We’re looking forward to the Washington game,” Coach John Robinson said. “Playing in Husky Stadium is difficult. Washington is a good team this year, so we’ll have our hands full.”

USC leads the series, 41-24-4, but since 1990, Washington has a 4-2-1 edge.

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Hard-to-believe statistic of the week: USC and Washington have the same record over their past five games. Both are 4-1.

Washington (6-1, 4-0) has won four in a row since a 27-14 loss to Nebraska on Sept. 20.

USC (4-3, 2-2) has beaten California, Nevada Las Vegas, Notre Dame and Oregon in the past five weeks, but lost to Arizona State, 35-7.

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USC has asked the NCAA to review the two-game penalty Mike Bastianelli has served after a university committee determined a tutor gave him improper assistance on a paper two years ago.

The NCAA could either approve the penalty, clearing Bastianelli to return, or impose a longer suspension. A response is expected this week.

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Washington

WHERE: Husky Stadium

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)