Baker Will Have Hands Full

Sam Baker relishes the challenge.

USC’s All-American left tackle will get one of his most difficult tests of the season today when he goes up against Washington State end Mkristo Bruce, a 6-foot-7, 249-pound senior who recorded a school-record five sacks last week against Stanford.

“He looks like he’s improved,” the 6-5, 305-pound Baker said. “He’s a real smart player, a fun guy to watch.

“As a competitor, you always want to play against the best and he’s one of the best.”

Eight of Bruce’s 20 tackles this season have resulted in losses. His five sacks against Stanford were the most in a Division I-A game this season and gave him seven for the season.

“He ran right, broke the edge down and hammered the quarterback,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “... He looks like he’s 280 pounds or something when he plays because he’s so powerful.”

Others on Washington State’s defensive line are tackles A’i Ahmu and Ropati Pitoitua and end Lance Broadus. But the Trojans are most concerned about neutralizing Bruce, who at times will also line up opposite right tackle Kyle Williams.

Williams said playing against Nebraska ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore prepared the Trojans for Bruce.

“He’s definitely quicker and a little faster than the other guys,” Williams said. “We just have to do what we always do.”

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USC fullback Mike Brittingham will start for the first time, but the fifth-year senior already achieved a first last week against Arizona when he took a handoff from quarterback John David Booty and rushed for four yards.

“That was the first carry of my life,” Brittingham said.

A former walk-on who played safety and receiver at Santa Ana Foothill High, Brittingham ascended to the starting fullback job after seniors Brandon Hancock and Ryan Powdrell and freshman Stanley Havili suffered injuries.

Brittingham, 6-1 and 210 pounds, is aware of USC’s rich fullback tradition, which has included Sam Cunningham, Mosi Tatupu, Ricky Bell, Lynn Cain and, before he became the star tailback, Marcus Allen.

“It’s special to be out there following in their footsteps,” he said.

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USC leads the series against Washington State, 53-8-4, and has won 30 of the last 34 games.... USC safety Taylor Mays and reserve punter Taylor Odegard are from Washington. The Cougars have 38 players from California.... Kicker Mario Danelo’s father, Joe, was a place-kicker at Washington State in 1972-74.... USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel was a Washington State assistant in 1978-81.

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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1 Mkristo matchup. Line play usually isn’t must-see TV, but the battle between USC left tackle Sam Baker and Washington State defensive end Mkristo Bruce is an exception. Baker is an All-American and protects John David Booty’s blind side. Bruce was a one-man wrecking crew against Stanford, registering a school-record five sacks. Right tackle Kyle Williams also will see plenty of Bruce. Meanwhile, Cougars quarterback Alex Brink will be operating behind a depleted line.

2 Cool receptions. All-American split end Dwayne Jarrett is back home in L.A. because of an injured left shoulder. That means Trojans sophomore Patrick Turner and seniors Steve Smith and Chris McFoy must fill the void. Washington State’s Jason Hill, who was recruited by USC as a safety, is a deep threat and one of the Pac-10’s most productive receivers. Michael Bumpus, from Culver City High, also was headed to USC until he was asked to delay his enrollment for a semester.

3 Turnovers. Washington State has lost six fumbles in four games, and USC leads the nation in turnover margin. Booty has had only one pass intercepted, but he also has been lucky: Nebraska and Arizona players dropped certain interceptions that could have changed momentum.

-- GARY KLEIN