The Scouting Report

By Gary Klein

Oct. 30, 2004 12 AM PT

No. 1 USC (7-0, 4-0) at

Washington State (3-4, 1-3)

Today, 4 p.m.

Martin Stadium, Pullman, Wash.

TV: Channel 7. Radio: KMPC (1540)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Coach Pete Carroll talked all week about the need to run the ball, especially if it rains. Washington State is ranked eighth in the conference against the run, so it might be a sound strategy regardless of conditions. With LenDale White nursing a thigh bruise and an ankle sprain, Reggie Bush probably will line up in the backfield more often. Hershel Dennis also could play a lot. Quarterback Matt Leinart, who struggled last week, looks to rebound against the conference’s eighth-ranked pass defense. Guards John Drake (ankle) and Fred Matua (knee and ankle) are expected to start, but Jeff Byers and Drew Radovich probably will rotate in. Linebackers Will Derting and Scott Davis lead the Cougar defense.

WHEN WASHINGTON STATE HAS THE BALL

Redshirt freshman Alex Brink completed only 15 of 41 passes and had two intercepted last week against Oregon State in his first start. Running back Jerome Harrison rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown in his first start. Brink has some talented receivers in Jason Hill, Chris Jordan, Michael Bumpus and tight end Troy Bienemann, but the Cougar offensive line will be hard-pressed to hold off a Trojan defense that leads the Pac-10 with 30 sacks. Kevin Arbet and Justin Wyatt remain USC’s starters at cornerback, but look for Eric Wright to play a lot.

KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Cold confidence. The Trojans must weather the conditions. They cannot let cold weather or rain cause them to commit turnovers.

2. Protect Leinart. USC’s quarterback got knocked around a bit last week against Washington. Washington State is historically blitz crazy.

3. Brinksmanship. USC’s front seven needs to rattle the Cougars’ young and inexperienced quarterback and force him into mistakes.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC WASH. ST. 36 Scoring 25.1 10.7 Points allowed 23.7 249.1 Passing offense 260.1 169 Rushing offense 114.6 418.1 Total offense 374.7 187.4 Passing defense 226.6 82.4 Rushing defense 137.6 269.9 Total defense 364.1

*--*

-- Gary Klein

USC Sports

Gary Klein

Gary Klein covers the Los Angeles Rams for the Los Angeles Times. Before that, he covered USC’s football program and athletic department. He began working for The Times in the San Fernando Valley edition and has reported on high school, college and pro sports. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from Cal State Northridge.

The Scouting Report

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