Preview | WSU (2-1) vs. USC (2-0)

At stake: A chance to make history. An astounding upset also would move the Cougars closer to a bowl and also make themselves a worthy bowl team if they finish 6-6.

What to expect: Cougars are likely to throw a lot of quick passes to avoid the pass rush. Trojans will rely on devastating running attack but will use this game to get passing game in sync once lead is built.

Notes: Senior Chauncey Washington will start at tailback for USC today instead of sophomore C.J. Gable or classmate Stafon Johnson. ... It rained in Los Angeles on Friday night, and there's a chance of lingering showers today. ... The WSU travel squad didn't include Loren Langley, the kicker who missed a 24-yard field goal last week. On the trip are Romeen Abdollmohammadi and freshman Wade Penner, whose kickoffs against Idaho were impressive. ... This is the sixth consecutive year the Cougars have opened their Pac-10 schedule on the road. They are 4-1 in those starts. ... Trojans lead series 54-8-4. ... Ten Trojans are on various "watch lists" for national honors, including Seattle native Taylor Mays, who is on the Thorpe Award (defensive back) list as a sophomore.

Injuries: WSU — DT Matt Eichelberger (knee), LB Alex Hammill (foot), QB Kevin Lopina (calf), center Grady Maxwell (knee), WR Keith Rosenberg (knee), out; DT Ropati Pitoitua (foot), CB Brian Williams (shoulder), DE Mike Graise (finger) and Romeo Pellum (concussion), probable. USC — S-CB Josh Pinkard (knee), OG-C Nick Howell (hernia), TB Broderick Green (foot), CB Kevin Thomas (shoulder), C Matt Spanos (triceps) and CB Vincent Joseph (larynx), out; S; LB Clay Matthews (thumb), LB Brian Cushing (ankle) probable.

Prediction: Trojans are No. 1 for a reason. USC 48, WSU 17.

Craig Smith

5 p.m. today at Coliseum, Los Angeles,

TV: Ch. 4 Radio: KPTK (1090), KRKO (1380), KHHO (850).

The line: USC by 25