HOW THEY MATCH UP

When USC has the ball: Kareem Kelly had a request of his coaches this week: “Can we go over the top early?” he asked. “I want to send a message.” The receiver senses a chance to go deep against the Huskies, whose blitz schemes often leave them in man-to-man coverage. He also knows that, week after week, opponents have crowded the box against the run, all but daring the Trojans to throw. Look for more of the same from a Washington team that has not given up a rushing touchdown this season. Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett has tackled opponents behind the line of scrimmage eight times this season.

When Washington has the ball: The Huskies have a sophomore quarterback in Cody Pickett and their most reliable receiver, tight end Jerramy Stevens, on the sideline because of a broken foot. The keyword? Patience. “We certainly have not got all the offense on the table,” Coach Rick Neuheisel said. USC goes with a revamped defensive line, freshman Shaun Cody and redshirt freshman Kenechi Udeze replacing injured starters. Omar Nazel is a designated pass rusher in the nickel defense. Look for the Trojans to stunt and blitz often to confuse Washington’s inexperienced line.

Key to the game: Though Washington kicker John Anderson has faltered at times, the rest of the special teams have compensated, scoring twice on blocked field goals, once each on punt and kickoff returns. Roc Alexander leads the conference with an average of 40.7 yards on kickoff returns. “We have to be really sharp because they can make a big play in any facet of the special teams,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said.

Fast fact: Carroll has some history with the Huskies. In 1972, he was a starting safety for a Pacific team that gave No. 9 Washington a scare before losing, 13-6. He had eight tackles in that game.

The pick: The Trojans need to stop their skid and can make things tough on Washington if the offense gets untracked. But the Huskies are well-coached and could be especially difficult to beat with blustery weather in the forecast. The edge: Washington.

The line: Washington by 51/2.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

HOW THEY COMPARE

USC and Washington

16.2 Scoring 35.7

16.2 Points allowed 16.3

265.2 Passing 237.3

83.2 Rushing 132

348.5 Total offense 369.3

164 Passing defense 216

184.5 Rushing defense 114.7

348.5 Total defense 330.7