Washington State Cougars (1-2) 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U at No. 10 USC Trojans (2-1) 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U Staurday September 26, 2009 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California 10:15 p.m. EST TV: FSN
by Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Washington State +46/USC -46
Over/Under: 52
If youre a Washington State Cougars fan you might be on Cloud 9 this week because of the Cougs win last week in Pullman. The Cougars were in dire need of a victory in any way, shape or form. Head Cougar Coach, Paul Wulf is a former WSU player who is trying to rebuild the program albeit a very difficult process. It took one overtime session before the Cougs finally earned their first win 30-27 over SMU.
Oh, but this weekend will be on a much bigger stage in beautiful southern California against the infamous No. 10 USC Trojans. WSU will use their first win on the season as a confidence booster as they head into Pac-10 Conference play. If the Cougs defense can do what they did versus SMU they may just hang around and cause chaos in the Coliseum. The WSU defense had four interceptions last week on their way to their biggest comeback win since 1994 against the Cal Bears when they were down by 18. WSU was down by 17 points in the third quarter when they made their case against SMU.
The Washington State Cougars are searching for an offensive identity and they will be in trouble quickly this Saturday if they dont find an anaswer. Last year the Cougs lost in Pullman to the Trojans 69-0! In fact, the Cougs have lost six in a row to USC. WSU doesnt have a true playmaker who can take over a game but they do have a lot of heart. But will heart be enough to poke a hole in the mighty Trojans game? I doubt it, but hey, if the Washington Huskies can do it maybe the Cougs can as well.
The University of Southern California suffered a huge setback last weekend in Seattle at the hands of the Washington Huskies. The Huskies, who went 0-12 just a year ago managed to bring their best effort as they knocked off the then No. 3 team in the land.
USC has been in a bit of a funk as far as who is there for sure starting QB. Freshman QB Matt Barkley injured his shoulder, so back up Aaron Corp go the start. Barley should be back as he earned the starting spot during the pre-season and became the first true freshman to start an opening day game for the Trojans.
The Huskies will have to contain star running back Joe McKnight of USC
as he continues to be the big playmaker for the men of Troy. McKnight had
100 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown in the loss at Husky Stadium.
Its no secret that the WSU Cougars are nowhere near the caliber of the Trojans program and this when they are down and make them earn every point. The dilema for the Cougs is the fact that they are at USC and that is a tough place to play and really tough to steal a win.
WSU is 4-9 ATS in their last 13 road games. The under is 22-5 in USCs last 27 conference games. The over is 10-2 in theses two teams last 12 head to head contests.
Wilsons Pick: Can you say bug meets windshield? USC 52, WSU 3.
