Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on Fox Sports 1
Cougar to Watch: Senior S Deone BucannonMike Leach's "Air Raid" offense gets all the publicity, but Bucannon is probably the best individual talent on this Cougars team. He earned All-Pac-12 second team after his 106 tackle campaign last year. He carried the momentum into the season opener at Auburn with 14 tackles. Cody Kessler and Max Wittek will want to keep an eye on Bucannon who has nine career interceptions.
(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
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3 Keys
Check the Record Books
WSU QB Connor Halliday attempted 65 passes last week, which was second to Drew Bledsoe (66 in 1992) for the most in a single game in school history. Louisiana Tech's Tim Rattay holds the USC opponent record with 68 throws against the Trojans in 1999. Lane Kiffin predicts that Halliday will break that record Saturday. So, given the shear volume of passes, the Cougars are likely to put up some yardage, but the USC defense needs to force turnovers (Halliday threw 3 INTs vs. Auburn) and put pressure on the 6-foot-4 junior.
The Real Cody Kessler
After a dynamite spring and summer, Cody Kessler failed to play his game last week in Hawaii. "That wasn't me playing," he said. "I was kind of thinking of all the outside stuff. I was putting so much pressure on myself to be perfect, and I realize that is not possible. I feel so much more clear and ready and excited for this game." Whether he comes in first or second, expect the Bakersfield product to thrive in front of the home crowd.
All About Control
Given the uncertainty at quarterback, the Trojans will want to avoid a shootout at this point in the season. If the Cougars come out hot, USC will be forced to answer questions offensively that are as yet unresolved. Kiffin focused on balanced play-calling against Hawaii, and he will happily keep it on the ground to rest his defense in this one. If the Trojans get an early lead, the idea of changing quarterbacks and using freshmen poses less of a risk.
USC has won the last 8 meetings vs. WSU starting in 2003 which was the Pac-12 decider.
