What’s next for No. 6 USC? Feisty Washington State
Washington State at No. 6 USC
When: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Records: Washington State 4-1, 1-1 in Pac-12; USC 5-0, 3-0
TV/Radio: Fox/AM 790
Washington State update: Like USC, the Cougars are a strong example of the benefits of a coaching change. After last year’s vaccination fiasco with Nick Rolovich, Washington State has stability and swagger under Jack Dickert, who had been interim coach. A former defensive coordinator, Dickert is aggressive with the Cougars and it has paid off with nine tackles for loss per game, which leads the Pac-12 and is fourth nationally. … The Cougars have already shown to go and win in a hostile environment, traveling to Wisconsin for a 17-14 victory over the then-ranked Badgers. … QB Cameron Ward has been inconsistent for Wazzu, completing 68.6% of his passes for 1,445 yards and 13 touchdowns but also throwing seven interceptions.
USC update: The Trojans were a little rocky in the first half against Arizona State but responded well in the second for a 42-25 victory. The defense in particular played better after halftime, holding the Sun Devils to negative yards rushing and 3.3 per play. … QB Caleb Williams bounced back nicely after his rocky game against Oregon State. Versus Arizona State, Williams completed 27 of 37 passes for 348 yards and three TDs. … Williams did throw his first interception of the season, which was also USC’s first turnover all year. After Calen Bullock’s fourth-quarter interception, USC is 15-1 in turnover margin this season, which ranks first nationally. … Though he failed to score a touchdown for the first time this season, WR Jordan Addison had his first 100-yard performance since Week 2 with eight catches for 105 yards vs. ASU.