SB Nation Los Angeles - USC vs. Washington: Trojans win 3rd straighthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2012-10-15T08:39:25-07:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/32316252012-10-15T08:39:25-07:002012-10-15T08:39:25-07:00USC projected to face Alabama in BCS title game
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Jerry Palm of CBS Sports is currently predicting the USC Trojans will win out and face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> (5-1), 24-14 winners on Saturday over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a>, are currently being projected to win the remainder of their games this season and face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/alabama-crimson-tide" class="sbn-auto-link">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> in the BCS National Championship Game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions">Jerry Palm of CBS Sports</a> is predicting the Trojans move into the No. 2 slot in the BCS rankings by year's end by winning all of their contests, with no other major title contender remaining undefeated by season's end. The BCS title game will be played on Jan. 7, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. PT, in Miami.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins" class="sbn-auto-link">UCLA Bruins</a> (5-2), 21-14 winners over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Utes</a> over the weekend, are being slated for the Sun Bowl, played in El Paso, Texas on Dec. 31, 2012. The Sun Bowl pits the ACC's No. 4 team against the Pac-12's No. 4 team, with the projection in this case showing Al Golden's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/miami-hurricanes" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Hurricanes</a> taking on the Bruins.</p>
<p>UCLA has a bye this weekend, while USC will host the woeful <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Buffaloes</a> at Los Angeles Coliseum.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/15/3506482/bowl-projections-2012T.J. Doyle2012-10-14T18:15:35-07:002012-10-14T18:15:35-07:00Trojans sitting at No. 10 in initial BCS rankings
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<figcaption>Otto Greule Jr - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>USC was able to crack the top-10 of the BCS rankings despite their early season slip up to Stanford.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> clocked in at No. 10 in the initial BCS rankings after being placed at No. 11 in the most recent AP Top 25 released earlier Sunday.</p>
<p>USC is one of four teams in the top-10 with one tally in their loss column already but the Trojans have won three straight since their 21-14 loss to Stanford in early September. It says a lot that the computers already have USC this high though so they could continue to climb with wins against Colorado and Arizona before facing off against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> on Nov. 3.</p>
<p>The Trojans are also one of three Pac-12 teams in the top-10 with Oregon sitting at No. 3 and Oregon State coming in No. 8 in a bit of a surprise.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> are the only other Pac-12 team in the BCS top-25 coming in at No. 20 overall despite already registering two losses in 2012.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/14/3504284/bcs-rankings-2012-week-7-usc-trojansCody Ulm2012-10-14T09:36:35-07:002012-10-14T09:36:35-07:00Matt Barkley's return not going as planned
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> improved to 5-1 on the season and 3-1 in conference play following the team's 24-14 road victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a>, but it was the play of quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> that has Trojans fans buzzing.</p>
<p>Not because Barkley played well, poor, mediocre or anything similar to those adjectives, but because the star quarterback had the ball taken from his hand. The senior quarterback attempted just 20 passes on the game versus 37 rushing carries for the team's two-headed running attack. In the fourth quarter, Barkley dropped back just five times and was sacked on one of them.</p>
<p>SB Nation's USC Trojans blog, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a>, is flustered by head coach Lane Kiffin's conservative offensive play calling and wonders why Matt Barkley is being treated the way he is, especially after Barkley decided to return for his senior season as Kiffin wanted.</p>
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<p>It is pretty clear that Kiffin is playing things conservative. I can buy into the team concept over individual numbers, but that is a hollow argument to me. I have a hard time believing that Matt Barkley came back for this. The school has a Heisman campaign for Barkley but Kiffin takes the ball out his hand? I won't argue that Barkley staying would probably tighten some things up in his game, but not like this.</p>
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<p>The Trojans will head home and prepare to host the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a>, who have struggled mightily this season and have just one win on the season.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/14/3501852/washington-usc-2012-reactionRon Shah2012-10-13T19:42:28-07:002012-10-13T19:42:28-07:00USC vs. Washington final: Trojans win 24-14
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> on the road at CenturyLink Field, 24-14, behind a strong performance from the defense and star running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a>.</p>
<p>After a quick field goal and touchdown off an interception, the Trojans got out to an early 10-0 lead over the Huskies and never looked back. Despite scoring zero points in the second half, USC's 24 first-half points proved to be more than enough to hold off the Huskies on Saturday night.</p>
<p>USC quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> did not have his average game, completing just 10 of 20 passes for 167 yards against the Huskies defense. While Barkley did throw for a touchdown, he was also picked off once, which led to points for Washington.</p>
<p>Instead it was Redd who paved the way for the offense, taking 26 carries for 155 yards and one touchdown. He was complemented on the ground by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38256/curtis-mcneal">Curtis McNeal</a>, who ran for 58 yards.</p>
<p>The victory gave the Trojans their third conference win and fifth victory on the season, while extending their winning streak to three games since falling to Stanford on the road.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>Running back Silas Redd led the way for the Trojans offense on Saturday night, rushing for 155 yards on the ground in 26 carries.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>The Trojans are already ranked No. 11 in the nation and this win on the road over a conference opponent could help the team move up in the rankings, but it will likely hinge on teams ahead of the polls losing their respective match up.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>The Trojans were unable to cover the 13-point spread on the road, but the Huskies were, as Washington lost by less than 13.</p>
<p><b>For More On This Game: </b>For more on Trojans football, visit <a href="http://conquestchronicles.com">USC blog Conquest Chronicles</a>, plus <a href="http://pacifictakes.com">Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes</a> and <a href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com">SB Nation Los Angeles</a>. For more on Huskies football, visit <a href="http://uwdawgpound.com">Washington blog UW Dawg Pound</a>, plus <a href="http://pacifictakes.com">Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes</a> and <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com">SB Nation Seattle</a>.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule: </b>The Trojans will go back home and prepare to host the visiting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a>, while the Huskies will travel to Arizona Stadium to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a>.</p>
<p><a data-size="large" data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/SBNationCFB">Follow @SBNationCFB</a></p>
<p>This story was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/13/3500026/washington-usc-2012-score-results">originally published on SB Nation.com</a>.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/13/3500080/usc-vs-washington-final-trojans-win-24-14Ron Shah2012-10-13T18:41:46-07:002012-10-13T18:41:46-07:00Trojans lead Huskies 24-14 after three quarters
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<p>After ending the first half with a comfortable 17 point lead, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> remained out in front of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> after the completion of the third quarter. The Trojans will open up the fourth quarter with a 24-14 lead at CenturyLink Field.</p>
<p>The Trojans defense allowed just seven points in the third quarter, when Huskies quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> connected with tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins for his second touchdown of the game. Otherwise, the Trojans defense continued to be tough, especially against the ground game. In fact, Washington running backs have combined for just 36 yards in 19 carries on the night. </p>
<p>However, USC's offense remained scoreless in the third quarter and struggled moving the ball. The running game continued to be effective, but quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> has completed just 8 of 16 passes for 125 yards. He does have a touchdown, but also an interception to go with it.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/13/3499864/usc-vs-washington-game-score-updateRon Shah2012-10-13T17:33:03-07:002012-10-13T17:33:03-07:00Trojans enter halftime with 24-7 lead
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> were able to expand on their three point lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> at CenturyLink Field in the second quarter and will now enter halftime leading by the score of 24-7.</p>
<p>On the first drive of the second quarter, Trojans quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> led USC down the field for a touchdown, after connecting with tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113445/xavier-grimble">Xavier Grimble</a> for 18 yards as well as a touchdown.</p>
<p>The Trojans scored another touchdown later in the quarter, too, but it was Anthony Brown on the special teams unit making the big play. Brown blocked a Huskies punt and was able to recover the ball and find his way into the end zone for a touchdown. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Trojans defense was dominant, holding the Huskies scoreless in the second half. The unit has been stout all game, making life difficult for Huskies quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a> as well as Washington's running game.</p>
<p>USC's running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> rushed for 108 yards as well as a touchdown in just 12 carries while quarterback Matt Barkley threw for 101 yards.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/13/3499708/usc-vs-washington-score-trojans-enter-halftime-with-24-7-leadRon Shah2012-10-13T16:53:21-07:002012-10-13T16:53:21-07:00USC builds 3 point lead after one quarter of play
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> by the score of 10-7, after one quarter of play at CenturyLink Field. Both teams have scored seven points off of turnovers.</p>
<p>USC took control of the game early in the first quarter on both sides of the ball, starting with the defense forcing a three-and-out against the Huskies defense in the first drive of the game.</p>
<p>On the other end, Trojans running back broke out his first carry for 57 yards on the ground, giving the Trojans a fresh set of downs on Washington's nine yard line. However, the team was unable to score a touchdown, instead settling for a 23 yard field goal.</p>
<p>On the very first play of the following drive for the Trojans defense, USC's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113425/dion-bailey">Dion Bailey</a> picked off Huskies quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price">Keith Price</a>, giving the Trojans offense great field position. This time, the Trojans offense took advantage of it, scoring a touchdown.</p>
<p>Trojans quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> has completed four of seven passes for 51 yards including one interception. Meanwhile running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> has rushed for 80 yards in the first quarter.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/13/3499522/usc-vs-washington-game-score-updateRon Shah2012-10-13T06:30:11-07:002012-10-13T06:30:11-07:00Trojans look to attack Keith Price, withstand rain
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<p>The USC Trojans travel to Washington to face the Huskies on Saturday with Lane Kiffin looking to even his head-to-head record with Steve Sarkisian at 2-2.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> have lost two of their last three games against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a>, but they will look to win their second straight against Washington on Saturday.</p>
<p>After losing back-to-back games on last-second field goals, the Trojans knocked off Washington 40-17 last season. They will travel to Seattle to face the Huskies at CenturyLink Field on Saturday in a game which could be impacted by the weather. The weather forecast predicts rain in Seattle on Saturday, but Conquest Chronicles thinks wet conditions may actually <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/10/12/3332162/usc-washington-preview-what-to-watch-for" target="_blank">be an advantage for the Trojans</a>.</p>
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<p>But on field turf, a quick passing offense can dominate in the rain because receivers get better footing than defenders because they know where and when they are going to cut. CenturyLink has field turf. Advantage Trojans.</p>
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<p>Defensively, the Trojans should have an advantage in the trenches as the Huskies have suffered several injuries during the offensive line. Washington has struggled to protect quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86098/keith-price" class="sbn-auto-link">Keith Price</a> this season, a trend the Trojans will try to continue.</p>
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<p>The Huskies have tried several different combinations, but the only consistency they've seen has been pressure on Price.</p>
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<p>The USC defense harassed Price last season, and if they are able to do the same on Saturday, the Trojans could be on their way to a 5-1 start.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/usc-trojans/2012/10/13/3496682/usc-vs-washington-preview-keith-price-weatherMark Sandritter