USC vs. Washington State Gameday Guide 2017: Matchups, lineups, links, odds and more

USC vs. Washington State

Martin Stadium | Pullman, WA7:30 p.m. Pacific | ESPNAll-time Series: 58-9-4Last meeting: USC 44, WSU 17 in 2014

After four weeks of college football action, there are just 24 undefeated teams remaining. Two of those, USC and Washington State, will face off on Friday night in Pullman.

The Trojans and Cougars have not met since a Coliseum tilt in 2014. Two years down the line, both squads will have legitimacy on the line at Martin Stadium

Washington State started the season shutting out Montana State before facing a much tougher challenge against Boise State. The Cougars had to mount a furious comeback to beat the Broncos in overtime. Then they handled business against Oregon State and Nevada to enter this week with a perfect 4-0 record.

USC boasts a similar mark, though getting to it involved several more challenges. The Trojans pulled away late against Western Michigan in Week 1, blasted Stanford in Week 2, survived an overtime upset bit from Texas in Week 3 and rode a wave of turnovers to victory over Cal in Week 4.

Which Pac-12 foe will emerge with their undefeated record intact on Friday night? It’s almost time to find out.

Gameday Links:

Preview Podcast:

This week’s preview episode of Reign of Troy Radio features co-hosts Michael Castillo and Alicia de Artola diving into the matchup between the Trojans and the Cougars.

LISTEN: USC vs Washington State Preview

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USC Injury Report:

Out for season: K Michael Brown (knee), LB Tayler Katoa (knee), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip), S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder)
Out: OLB Hunter Echols (hip), TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe (hip), LT Toa Lobendahn (infection)*, OT Nathan Smith (knee), DL Marlon Tuipulotu (knee)*
Doubtful: OLB Porter Gustin (toe/bicep), WR Steven Mitchell (groin)
Questionable: WR Velus Jones Jr. (leg), RB Aca’Cedric Ware (undisclosed)
Probable: WR Deontay Burnett (shoulder), DL Rasheem Green (ankle), DB Ajene Harris (knee), RB Ronald Jones II (quad/ankle), WR Joseph Lewis (abdominal), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (knee/elbow), WR Michael Pittman (ankle)

*Reportedly

Washington State Injury Report:

Out for season: LB Peyton Pelluer (foot)

Click here for more details from the USC and Washington State injury reports.

When USC has the ball…

The Trojan offense has not been at it’s best over the past two weeks, but Sam Darnold and company will look to turn it around against Washington State.

The Cougars are an aggressive and opportunistic defense. Driven by the pass rushing prowess of defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State ranks fourth nationally in sacks and second in defensive touchdowns.

They do give up points though. They conceded 44 to Boise State in overtime and just managed to hold Oregon State under their average at 23 points.

CHECK OUT: 5 Most Important Seniors for USC in 2017

The Trojans can hope to take advantage of the absence of middle linebacker Peyton Pelluer due to a season-ending foot injury while working to re-establish their running game with Ronald Jones II back from injury.

However, facing an attacking defensive scheme, the screen game to running back Stephen Carr could become a key factor.

Projected WSU Defense

E Nnamdi Oguayo #30

NT Daniel Ekuale #90

T Hercules Mata’afa #50

RUSH Frankie Luvu #51

WILL Jahad Woods #13

MIKE Isaac Dotson #31

NICKEL Hunter Dale #26

CB Darrien Molton #3

FS Robert Taylor #2

SS Jalen Thompson #34

CB Marcellus Pippins #21

Projected USC Offense

WR Jalen Greene #10

WR Deontay Burnett #80

TE Tyler Petite #82

RT Chuma Edoga #70

RG Viane Talamaivao #60

C Nico Falah #74

LG Chris Brown #77

LT Toa Lobendahn #50

WR Tyler Vaughns #21

QB Sam Darnold #14

RB Ronald Jones II #25

When WSU has the ball…

Washington State’s Air Raid is renown for moving the ball quickly from quarterback Luke Falk’s hands into the hands of his diverse receiving corps.

Six different Cougars have caught touchdown passes on the season, led by junior Tavares Martin Jr with six to himself already.

USC’s secondary will be tested by Washington State, but Clancy Pendergast’s introduction of the dime formation against Cal could help give the Trojan an edge in the passing game.

However, everything will likely come down to the battles upfront. Though WSU does not lean on their running game, the trenches will be critical with the Trojans looking to generate pressure to keep Falk out of his rhythm. All-American guard Cody O’Connell, along with tackles Andre Dillard and Cole Madison, will face a ferocious pass rush for USC including Uchenna Nwosu and Christian Rector.

Projected WSU Offense

XWR Tavares Martin Jr. #8

YWR Kyle Sweet #17

LT Andre Dillard #60

LG Cody O’Connell #76

C Frederick Mauigoa #69

RG B.J. Salmonson #75

RT Cole Madison #61

HWR Renard Bell #81

ZWR Isaiah Johnson-Mack #9

QB Luke Falk #4

RB Jamal Morrow #25

Projected USC Defense

SLB Uchenna Nwosu #42

DE Rasheem Green #94

DT Josh Fatu #98

NB Ajene Harris #27

PRED Christian Rector #89

MLB Cameron Smith #35

WLB John Houston #10

CB Iman Marshall #8

SS Chris Hawkins #4

FS Marvell Tell #7

CB Jack Jones #25

Odds (USC -4.5):

USC opened the week favored by six points over Washington State but the line moved quickly down to the 4.5-point range, per Sports Book Review.

The Trojans are 1-3 against the spread, failing to cover sizable spreads against Western Michigan, Texas and Cal.

The Cougars are 2-2 against the spread with covers over Oregon State and Nevada. They did not match a big spread over Montana State or a touchdown margin against Boise State.

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