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| Linebacker Isaac Dotson leads a Washington State defense that has people talking (NY Daily News) |
When asked about an exciting way to spend a Friday evening, hanging out in Pullman, Wash., isn't usually the first response.
Don't misunderstand -- WSU's campus is one of the more scenic in the United States, and College Hill is beautiful, a cornucopia of area history and quaint bungalows and red brick streets, and is worth being seen.
But the fact remains, it isn't on most people's "to do" list when it comes to entertainment -- specifically college football entertainment.
Well, that should change Friday night as No. 5 USC, with a 13-game winning streak, comes in to take on 16th-ranked Washington State in a matchup of unbeaten Pac-12 foes.
The Trojans (4-0, 1-0) trailed for a good portion last week before rallying to beat Cal 30-20, while WSU easily dispatched Nevada 45-7.
Many people expected USC to be in this position, fewer would have guessed that the Cougars would be unbeaten -- and stout on defense, to boot.
WSU's stop unit has improved steadily the last few seasons and has gotten off to an excellent start in 2017, ranking 12th in the country in total defense, allowing just over 262 yards per game and a stingy 4.3 yards per play. There could be a little bit of concern for the group, however, as talented linebacker Peyton Pelluer will be out with a broken foot, but it hasn't diminished the confidence.
"Nothing changes for us," linebacker Isaac Dotson said. "We just play our defense."
Washington State (4-0, 1-0) has been murder on opposing quarterbacks, knocking Oregon State's Jake Luton out of the game and prompting both Boise State and Nevada to switch quarterbacks during the game. Wazzu is fourth in the nation in sacks with 15, but USC is not Oregon State or Nevada, and brings in the biggest and most talented offensive line the Cougars have faced all season.
The Trojans also have a guy named Sam Darnold, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the college game and someone who has been praised by WSU coach Mike Leach. Darnold can extend plays with his feet, and has uncanny vision and laser-sharp delivery.
"I think he's mature, really just kind of mentally together for a guy that's his age," Leach said. "He's big and the ball comes off his hand good."
If WSU players are afraid of the challenge, it isn't showing.
"He's a solid quarterback," said Dotson, who leads the squad with 26 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. "A good player. He's our next opponent. He's one guy on that team. We are not preparing for one guy."
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| QB Sam Darnold will lead USC into battle against Washington State (NY Daily News) |
Darnold is completing over 67 percent of his passes this season and has nine scoring tosses. However, he has had a penchant for throwing interceptions, tossing at least one in every game this season, and putting together three games with multiple picks. He will need to be more patient with his throws this week as Washington State has corners that can play on island, taking away the deep threat.
Hindering Darnold's cause are injuries to leading receivers Deontay Burnett and Stephen Mitchell, as well as top rusher Ronald Jones. The status of all three is unknown heading into Friday's 10:30 pm EST kick, and all are valuable members of a Trojans team that needs to get things going faster than they have so far this season. USC has averaged just 12 first half points while WSU has doubled that, averaging 24 points in the opening 30 minutes.
"They're a fast start team," USC coach Clay Helton said.
The Cougars go as quarterback Luke Falk goes, and so far he has been going just fine.
The senior leads the nation in completion percentage (76.9), with 14 touchdowns to just one interception, and loves to spread the wealth. Washington State has three players with at least 24 grabs, led by running back James Williams' 37 catches and three touchdowns. Wideout Tavares Martin Jr averages 15 yards per catch, and has taken up residence in the end zone with six scoring grabs. Isaiah Johnson-Mack is no slouch at another receiver spot, catching 24 passes with two touchdowns.
USC hasn't been great defensively, allowing 5.2 yards per play and 370 yards per contest, and giving up six touchdown passes in four games. If Washington State can keep up its pace converting third downs -- third nationally at almost 57 percent -- it will be a long night for the visitors.
Helton knows his defense needs to focus on taking Falk off of his rhythm.
"The whole thing runs through the quarterback," Helton said.
Last time here, in 2014, USC steamrolled the Cougars 44-11, a game in which Falk got his first real playing time after starter Connor Halliday was injured. USC has won nine of the last 10 meetings, and Washington State is just 3-31 vs. ranked opponents.
While the Air Raid is what brings eyes to the television, Washington State's defense is what has everyone buzzing.
With a sellout crowd of over 33,000 promised for Martin Stadium, and with Hollywood's team in town, where else would you want to be besides Pullman?
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