GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The inability of the USC offensive line to push down field limited the run game against Stanford and Texas. The unit’s woes were particularly vexing at Texas and remain a concern in a matchup with Washington State.
Washington State’s defensive line emphasizes speed over size, which could work to USC’s advantage. The Trojans must establish a power run approach to allow QB JT Daniels to settle in.
DRAFT SLANT
–S Marvell Tell III debuted at No. 27 overall in NFLDraftScout.com analyst Rob Rang’s preseason draft board, and the USC veteran has lived up to expectations through three games. Coach Clay Helton praised Tell for stepping up not only on defense, but “helping out on special teams” as well.
ROSTER REPORT:
–PK Chase McGrath is out for the season due to a torn ACL.
–DE/LB Porter Gustin, who recorded two sacks at Texas, is suspended for the first half due to a targeting penalty incurred in the second half of the Week 3 loss.
–CB Isaiah Langley is questionable due to a groin injury, compounding depth problems in the secondary. USC is already without suspended S Bubba Bolden and injured S Isaiah Pola-Mao, who is out for the season because of a shoulder injury suffered in Week 2 at Stanford.
-S Isaiah Pola-Mao will undergo surgery for his dislocated shoulder this Thursday and will miss the rest of the season, coach Clay Helton said Monday.
–DT Malik Dorton is questionable due to a knee contusion.
–OL Andrew Voorhees injured his MCL and is questionable.
–LB John Houston Jr. is questionable with an wrist injury. Coach Clay Helton said Levi Jones will start at the outside linebacker spot if Houston is unavailable.
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