They won’t pass by quietly

Washington State’s Alex Brink and Michael Bumpus have caused the USC football team problems before -- remember last year’s 28-22 nailbiter that wasn’t settled until the final play, when Trojans safety Taylor Mays made an interception at the four-yard line? Well, they are at it again, combining to make the Cougars’ passing game among the most potent in the Pacific 10 Conference. Times assistant sports editor Mike Hiserman takes a look at Washington State’s star seniors:

* Alex Brink: quarterback, 6 feet 3, 207 pounds,

from Eugene, Ore.

* Michael Bumpus: receiver-returner, 6 feet 1,

194 pounds, from Culver City.

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Career highlights

Brink has completed a school-record 624 passes, which have gone for 8,042 yards -- 788 yards shy of Jason Gesser’s all-time mark. Against San Diego State two weeks ago, he completed a school-record 38 passes (in 47 attempts) for 469 yards and five touchdowns. His yardage in that game was third-highest in school history. Brink holds the single-game record with 515 yards against Oregon State in 2005.

Bumpus’ next reception will be No. 148 in his career, tying him for second on the all-time list. He needs 30 more catches to become the Cougars’ career leader. He also has a school record-tying three punt returns for touchdowns.

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This season

Brink has completed 81 of 110 passes for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns with two interceptions. He leads the Pac-10 with averages of 315.7 passing yards and 330.3 total yards a game.

Bumpus has 22 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns. His 7.33 catches-a-game average is best in the conference and his 91.0 yards a game is second only to teammate Brandon Gibson, who is averaging 93.0.

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Last season

Brink completed 241 of 396 passes for 2,899 yards and 19 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. His average of 242.2 total yards a game was best in the Pac-10.

Bumpus led the team with 60 receptions for 558 yards and a touchdown.

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Last season against USC

Brink passed for a season-high 287 yards, completing 26 of 47 for two touchdowns with the one interception. He drove the Cougars from their 24 to USC’s 39 in the game’s last minute before his desperation pass toward Bumpus was picked off on the final play.

Bumpus made a career-high 11 receptions -- one shy of the school’s single-game record -- for 112 yards.