Does anybody else have an uneasy feeling about this USC-Washington State recreation? I do know I do.
This recreation is, truly, a extremely large deal. But, the thrill simply doesn’t appear to be constructing for the sport on Saturday at 4:40 p.m. contained in the Los Angeles Coliseum. That is the prime-time tv slot USC followers need. It’s a marker of significance within the school soccer world. That is when USC ought to be taking part in its most necessary video games of the 12 months.
Why does it really feel, then, that USC is being assumed to win and that everybody is already wanting ahead to Utah on Oct. 15? This can be a enormous recreation for USC, and Washington State is a really succesful opponent. Let’s dive into an evidence of why this recreation is so large, and why the general public appears to be sleeping on this contest:
FOLLOW THE MONEY
On Sunday, USC was a 10-to-11-point favourite at plenty of sportsbooks. Now that line has moved to 12.5 to 13.5 factors, relying on which e-book you utilize.
USC as almost a two-touchdown favourite over Washington State after scuffling with Arizona State for 2 and a half quarters? That simply doesn’t make sense … however the cash goes to USC. One thing appears “off” about that.
UTAH
It is rather simple to begin desirous about Utah on Oct. 15. Everybody must cease doing that. Washington State can simply beat USC if the Trojans aren’t on prime of their recreation.
FOUR MINUTES
Washington State could be 5-0 if it didn’t have these 4 horrible minutes on the finish of the Oregon recreation. This can be a good crew, and a harmful one. It was ok to steer Oregon 34-22 after 56 minutes of play.
JORDAN LEE
The Washington State sturdy security didn’t play in opposition to Oregon. He got here again for the Cal recreation. Wazzu allowed solely 9 factors. WSU is quite a bit higher with Lee on the sector. This recreation goes to be powerful.
USC OFFENSIVE LINE HEALTH
USC’s O-line isn’t wholesome. Lincoln Riley is clearly making an attempt to handle gamers’ conditions in order that they will get — and keep — wholesome. It doesn’t appear that both Justin Dedich or Courtland Ford can be at full power for Washington State. That’s a giant drawback. We are going to clearly must see if they will make vital enhancements, however Riley’s feedback had been very cautious.
CALEB WILLIAMS ESCAPING SACKS
Caleb Williams escaped a number of sacks in opposition to Arizona State. If his offensive line doesn’t get more healthy and stronger, he’s going to get sacked by Washington State, which has a greater protection than ASU.
CAM WARD
Ward makes some dangerous choices and throws throughout video games, however what if the Wazzu QB cleans issues up and performs his finest on this contest? USC may have a headache if that occurs.
DESPERATION
Washington State, as a result of it has a convention loss, has no margin for error when it comes to making the Pac-12 Championship Recreation. The Trojans are going to face a determined opponent, making their process tougher.
TURNOVER LUCK
USC allowed 25 factors to a not-very-good Arizona State offense. Washington State’s offense is best. USC acquired just one takeaway in opposition to Arizona State. We maintain asking the query: What occurs when opponents don’t throw three or 4 interceptions?
NUMBERS GAME
USC’s protection hasn’t allowed 30 or extra factors in any recreation this season, however that appears unsustainable. Absolutely, one opponent will lastly end sufficient drives to attain 30. Will the Trojans be capable to win a recreation by which an opponent slaps a giant quantity on them?
CALEB WILLIAMS MARGIN FOR ERROR
Williams threw his first interception of the season in opposition to Arizona State, however didn’t pay a giant worth. What occurs if he throws two interceptions in opposition to Washington State? What occurs if these turnovers value USC factors? This feel-good season might take an abrupt incorrect flip.
KOREY FOREMAN
USC isn’t getting what it hoped for from Foreman. This protection normally has quite a bit to work on. It isn’t laborious to ascertain Cam Ward and WSU having numerous success on Saturday. This isn’t going to be simple.
WASHINGTON STATE IMPORTANCE
The significance of this Washington State recreation boils right down to this: Win right here, and the Utah recreation isn’t a win-at-all-costs recreation. A loss right here means the Utah recreation immediately turns into important and deeply vital. Win now in order that the journey to Salt Lake Metropolis isn’t a season-saver.
BOWL PROJECTIONS
A number of retailers have USC going to the Alamo Bowl. Which means a number of retailers suppose USC will lose three extra video games this 12 months. The Trojans must win this recreation to close down that chance. USC received’t lose three video games within the 12-game common season if it beats Washington State.
YEAR OF THE BIG UPSET
In case you suppose USC has this recreation all locked up, do notice what number of double-digit street underdogs have pulled upsets this season in school soccer. Georgia Tech beat Kedon Slovis and Pittsburgh as 21-point street underdogs final week. USC and its followers merely can’t suppose this recreation is already within the bag, or received’t contain a major problem from Washington State. The season has not been predictable. Who thought USC might rating solely 17 and win in Corvallis in opposition to Oregon State?
CALEB WILLIAMS DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
Williams made numerous powerful throws in opposition to Arizona State. On this recreation, he might want to make numerous simpler throws. Lincoln Riley must scheme open extra USC receivers and provides his QB a much less difficult process.
JAKE DICKERT
Washington State’s coach has performed an excellent job of sustaining and constructing upon what Nick Rolovich left behind. Lincoln Riley can be going through a really worthy opponent on this recreation.
THE PARADOX OF “COUGING IT”
When Washington State blows a late lead, because it did in opposition to Oregon, individuals within the Pac-12 name that “Couging It.” WSU followers hate that time period, however right here’s the factor: The Cougars can’t “Coug It” until they’ve a late lead. USC doesn’t need Washington State to have a late lead. Let’s not even go there, we could?