One year ago, the USC Trojans allowed 536 yards to the Washington Huskies in a 32-31 home loss. This year, the USC defense looks determined to not let that happen again, leading the Trojans to a 23-3 halftime lead at the Memorial Coliseum.
USC held Washington to just 91 yards on 25 plays in the first half, holding them to just five first downs while picking up four sacks, two by Nick Perry. USC even picked up a safety after a botched snap into the end zone, the first safety for the Trojans since their 2006 contest against UCLA.
Up 7-3 on a fourth-and-nine play from their own 45-yard line, the Trojans executed a perfect fake punt to catch the Huskies off guard. Punter Kyle Negrete put his head down and ran up the middle for a 35-yard gain and a first down to the 20-yard line. Five plays later, tailback Marc Tyler scored from one yard out for his third rushing touchdown of the season.
Tyler had 31 yards on four carries in the first half. Curtis McNeal ran for 66 yards on 13 carries in an efficient offensive first half for the Trojans. Matt Barkley completed 10 of 16 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown in the opening 30 minutes.
USC will receive the ball to open the third quarter.
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