USC VS. WASHINGTON

* Time: 12:30 p.m.

* Site: Coliseum.

* Records: USC 5-3, 3-2; Washington 5-2, 3-1.

* TV: Channel 7.

* Radio: XTRA (690).

THE OFFENSES

It will be USC’s quarterback tandem of Mike Van Raaphorst and Carson Palmer versus Washington’s duo of Brock Huard and versatile backup Marques Tuiasosopo. Without a proven running back this season, the Huskies have gone to a wide-open one-back offense similar to what USC saw against Purdue. USC’s offense is trying to get the kinks out after following a season-high 42 points against Washington State with a season-low 13 against Oregon.

THE DEFENSES

USC held Oregon to 17 points--more than 30 below its average--and still lost. The Trojans know there isn’t a great margin for error, and Huard and Tuiasosopo are capable of big plays. Washington is an all-out blitzing team, and USC hopes to make the Huskies pay with quick passes and by utilizing tailback Chad Morton’s speed.

* Key to the game: The USC offensive line and the fullbacks need to have some success holding off the pass rush, and Van Raaphorst and Palmer need to find receivers R. Jay Soward, Billy Miller, Larry Parker and Mike Bastianelli quickly.

* Fast fact: USC has a 48-22-4 record in homecoming games and is 7-3 against Washington on homecoming.

* Line: USC by 6.

HOW THEY COMPARE *--*

USC Washington 29.1 Scoring 32.5 20.0 Points allowed 27.6 202.4 Passing 217.7 142.9 Rushing 124.3 345.3 Total offense 342.0 191.4 Passing defense 252.3 148.5 Rushing defense 133.0 339.9 Total defense 385.3

*--*