USC-Washington: Matchups and story lines

USC plays Washington for the first time since 2012, and the first time since former Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian returned to take over USC’s program. Times staff writer Gary Klein examines the matchups and story lines:

Recent history

USC is 2-2 against Washington in the last six years — and Trojans fans can blame Sarkisian.

2009: In his third game as Washington’s coach, Sarkisian leads the Huskies to a 16-13 upset over mentor Pete Carroll and the Trojans at Seattle. Third-ranked USC loses on a field goal with three seconds left.

2010: Sarkisian welcomes buddy Lane Kiffin back to USC as Washington defeats the 4-0 Trojans, 32-31, on a field goal as time expires at the Coliseum.

2011: USC gets seven sacks in a 40-17 victory at the Coliseum.

2012: With Washington’s stadium undergoing renovations, the Trojans rush for more than 200 yards and get four turnovers in a 24-14 victory at CenturyLink Field.

Opposite ends of spectrum

USC’s Cody Kessler is on pace to surpass his record-setting 2014 season.

The fifth-year senior from Bakersfield is completing 73% of his passes, 15 for touchdowns, with one interception. He completed 19 of 33 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns, with an interception and a fumble, in the Trojans 42-14 victory at Arizona State.

Washington’s Jake Browning became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Huskies in an opener. He is the first Washington true freshman to start in any game at quarterback since USC assistant Marques Tuiasosopo started against Oregon in 1997.

Browning, from Granite Bay, near Sacramento, has completed 65% of his passes, five for touchdowns, with four interceptions. Browning passed for 152 yards, with two interceptions and a fumble, in a 30-24 loss to California.

Staff moves

Tuiasosopo coached Washington to a 31-16 victory over Brigham Young in the 2013 Fight Hunger Bowl after Sarkisian was hired by USC and Chris Petersen was hired at Washington.

Tuiasosopo, who coaches tight ends, is one of five former Huskies assistants Sarkisian brought with him from Seattle, including Justin Wilcox (defensive coordinator), Peter Sirmon (linebackers), Keith Heyward (defensive backs) and Johnny Nansen (running backs).

“I have history there,” Tuiasosopo said, “but it really doesn’t affect what I do now.”

Tuiasosopo, though, said he has received teasing texts from former teammates.

“They rib me about the color I’m wearing,” he said.

Domino effect

USC cornerback Kevon Seymour, sidelined the last two games because of a knee injury, is expected to play.

Seymour’s return would bolster the secondary, opening the door, Sarkisian has said, for Adoree’ Jackson to play more at receiver.

Jackson played four offensive plays against Arizona State. He turned one pass into an 80-yard touchdown and gained 45 yards on another reception.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, who missed two days of practice last week because of personal reasons, has a team-best 27 catches, six for touchdowns. Darreus Rogers is nursing a hamstring injury that could sideline him against the Huskies.

Washington running back Dwayne Washington, who played at Cerritos Gahr High, has a team-best 17 receptions, two for touchdowns. Tight end Joshua Perkins, also from Gahr, and Jayden Mickens, who played at Los Angeles Dorsey, have 13 catches.

In their defense

Washington leads the Pac-12 in total defense and rushing defense and ranks sixth in pass defense.

Linemen Joe Mathis, Elijah Qualls and Taniela Tupou provide opportunities for linebackers Azeem Victor, who averages 9½ tackles a game, Cory Littleton (4½ tackles for losses) and Travis Feeney (three tackles for losses) and Keishawn Bierria (28 tackles).

USC ranks 10th in the conference in total defense, eighth in rushing defense and ninth in pass defense.

Linebacker Cameron Smith has a team-best 30 tackles, linebacker Su’a Cravens 27, four for losses. Safety Chris Hawkins has an interception and has recovered two fumbles, one he returned 94 yards for a touchdown against Arizona State.

Washington transplants

USC offensive lineman Zach Banner, kicker Alex Wood and backup quarterback Max Browne hail from Washington.

Banner, from Tacoma, said his recruiting decision included Washington “right down to the wire,” but he chose USC.

“I wanted the chance to win a national championship,” he said. “It’s not about being the hometown hero…. I love Washington. I love where I’m from…. But right now, it’s business. I’m a Trojan for life. I’m a Trojan from Tacoma.”