BREAKING: Dozens Killed, Including 20 Kids, After Massive Tornado Rips Through Okla. | How To Help Victims | Photos Of A Tragedy

College Football Week 7: #11 USC At Washington

#11 USC

Washington

Salt Lake City was fired up for the Trojans, but USC shook off a rusty start to handle the Utes. Even with Oregon still on the schedule, Lane Kiffin’s Trojans are the favorite to represent the South in the Pac-12 title game.	Coaching	The Huskies never recovered from a terrible first quarter against Oregon, but they’ll have to find a way to get back up for a huge home game against USC, where Washington coach Steve Sarkisian was an assistant for seven years. He is 2-1 against his former school.
Now there’s the Matt Barkley we know. Last Thursday, Barkley was 23 for 30 with three touchdowns, and several of his incompletions were drops, including a few that would have been big gains. USC is getting enough on the ground to keep defenses honest.	Offense	The Huskies have played five games—enough to get a sense of where they stand—and are 109th in total offense. Quarterback Keith Price struggled but the good news is that Bishop Sankey recorded his third straight 100-yard game on the ground.
The Trojan defense was stellar for the second straight week. Don’t look at the 28 points Utah scored because half of those were a result of USC turnovers. The Utes couldn’t get anything going in the second half.	Defense	Oregon piles up big numbers against everybody. This Washington defense is above average and may fare better than expected against a pass-first USC team.
USC has been solid across the board in its special teams, but Adam Heidari did miss field goals from 40 and 43 yards last week.	Special Teams	The Huskies have only attempted four field goals this season but have made three. Washington fumbled a punt last week and lost possession.

The winner is

#11 USC

4 out of 4

This game should be closer than the categorical sweep would indicate, though the Huskies may have trouble scoring enough to pull off the upset.

-Andrew Kahn, College Football Contributor

More Tales of the tape

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Louisville Vs. #4 Michigan
Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #4 Michigan Vs. #4 Syracuse
No. 4 Michigan and No. 4 Syracuse square off in Atlanta this weekend with the winner getting a shot to play for the National Title.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #1 Louisville Vs. #9 Wichita State
Rick Pitino and No. 1 Louisville take on No. 9 Wichita State in Atlanta this weekend for a shot to play in the National Title game on Monday.