No. 22 Washington (4-2, 1-1)at No. 19 USC (4-2, 2-1)

Today, 12:30 p.m., Coliseum

TV -- Channel 7.

Radio -- KMPC (1540)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

The Trojans hope to duplicate last week’s balanced attack. Quarterback Carson Palmer is making plays from in and out of the pocket. With Washington ranked last in the Pac-10 in pass defense (281.8 yards a game), tailback Sultan McCullough probably won’t carry the ball 39 times again. Freshman wide receiver Mike Williams will probably start because Kareem Kelly has a sprained right ankle. Linebackers Ben Mahdavi and Marquis Cooper lead a Husky defense ranked second in the Pac-10 in rushing defense (85.8).

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WHEN WASHINGTON HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Cody Pickett leads the conference in passing and is second in the nation in total offense. Sophomore wide receiver Reggie Williams has 38 receptions. The Huskies, however, average 99.8 yards rushing, ninth in the Pac-10. USC leads the conference in total defense. All-American safety Troy Polamalu, who sat out the last game because of an ankle sprain, is scheduled to start.

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KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Maintain the running game. The Trojans need another solid effort from the offensive line and tailback Sultan McCullough, who carried a career-high 39 times for 176 yards and a touchdown last week against Cal.

2. Neutralize Washington receiver Reggie Williams. Junior Marcell Allmond moves into the starting lineup at left cornerback and his main responsibility entails stopping the 6-foot-4, 220-pound sophomore.

Pressure Cody Pickett. The front four, despite the loss of tackle Shaun Cody, must put an effective rush on Washington’s quarterback.

4. Avoid penalties. USC had only four against Cal, after a 10-penalty disaster against Washington State.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC Wash 27.2 Scoring 33.5 17.5 Points Allowed 22.8 272.2 Passing Offense 380.5 116.8 Rushing Offense 99.8 389.0 Total Offense 480.3 156.7 Passing Defense 281.8 117.8 Rushing Defense 85.8 274.5 Total Defense 367.7

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