The Trojans are 4-0, but they’ll face their biggest test of the year this Friday. The Washington State Cougars mean business this season and have only had one game where they’ve scored under 40 points. Meanwhile, the Trojans haven’t had a game where they’ve given up less than 20. Looking at the easy numbers on paper, this one doesn’t fly in USC’s direction.
However, the Trojans do have something that the Cougars do not and that is Sam Darnold. Sure he hasn’t hit the peaks like many thought he would right off the bat, but he’s steadily improving. He currently posses a 67% completion percentage and 9-7 touchdown-pick ratio – not the best numbers.
In his last two outings, though, the once considered Heisman favorite (by many) has gone 6-3 TD’s to picks and only gone down four times. He’s been better and if he can find his 2016 form, the Cougars could be in trouble. If he continues to hurry passes and make early season mistakes though, USC could be upset early in the season by a conference rival.
While the USC Trojans are dealing with some QB issues, the Washington State Cougars have slowly crept out of the dark with some brilliant performances. They topped Boise State in OT three weeks ago, beat the belly out of of the Oregon State Beavers two weeks ago and knocked the nose off Nevada last Saturday. All alliteration aside, these guys could be for real.
In, what now could be considered, one of the better parity conferences the Cougars have been showing teams what they’re made of left, right and center. Their biggest test undoubtedly will come this Friday though at home. If they can keep their consistent attack coming in hard and fast, they’ve got a good shot. Their offense, led by Luke Falk, should do just fine on it’s own. Their defense, however, will be the real key to victory.
As mentioned above, Darnold is improving, but it’s a slow burn. If State’s 22nd best D can hold their ground, they could upset the Trojans with ease. They’re the 12th best team in the country against the air attack and have tallied five picks and 15 sacks. However, their run stoppers are allowing 160.8 yards per game which is good enough for 59th in the nation. If they can stay strong on both sides of the ball, they’ll win this game.
