Pac-12 season starts early this year, as Washington State will travel to take on USC Saturday night. Television coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
How to watch Washington State vs. USC 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Pac-12 begins with Mike Leach’s spread attack versus Lane Kiffin’s Marqise Lee attack.
USC had a Thursday night matchup in the opening week, easily dispatching the Hawaii Warriors in Honolulu, 30-13. The Trojans were losing 5-3 early in the second quarter after allowing a safety and a field goal, but responded with 27 straight points to take an insurmountable lead.
Washington State lost a tight game to Auburn in its opening contest, losing 31-24 despite gaining 70 more yards than the Tigers. After a disappointing 3-9 record in Mike Leach’s debut season, the head coach is looking for a bit more control over his passing attack, which put up 344 yards last week but only 5.3 yards per attempt (and three interceptions).
The numbers
Rankings and records: USC leads the all-time series 57-8-4, and has not lost against the Cougars since 2002.
Vegas: USC opened as a 15-point favorite. The over/under is 54 points. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A low of 68 with a high of 86, partly cloudy.
Three names to know
Marqise Lee. The Trojans' Heisman candidate caught eight passes in the opening win for 104 yards. Last year, he put up the jaw-dropping totals of 118 receptions for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. Washington State held Auburn to just 99 yards passing in its opener, but will have much more to contend with in Lee.
Dion Bailey. USC's safety led the team with seven tackles against Hawaii, picked off a pass, and had a sack. He led the team with four interceptions last season, and could throw a serious wrench in Mike Leach's plans.
Gabe Marks. An L.A. native, it will be a homecoming for the star Washington State receiver. He caught nine passes for 81 yards in the opener, and had 560 receiving yards last season.
Two things at stake
For USC, a loss to Washington State would certainly put Lane Kiffin directly on the hot seat.
For Washington State, after a disappointing 2012, the Cougars are hoping for a strong start to the Pac-12 season.
How to witness
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
Radio: USC gets their games broadcast on ESPN Radio, so check the affiliates here. Here are the Washington State radio affiliates.
Online streaming: Fox Sports 1 does not appear to stream their games.
Further reading
For all your Washington State needs, check out CougCenter. For the USC perspective, check out Conquest Chronicles.
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