Pac-12 After Dark is getting the Friday Night treatment in Week 5 with the USC Trojans heading north to face the Washington State Cougars at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN (live stream it on WatchESPN).
USC vs. Washington State 2017 live stream: How to watch online
This Pac-12 matchup features two top-20 teams and could already have playoff implications.
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
With the Trojans rounding out the top five of the latest AP Poll, the Cougars made a big jump to No. 16 in the rankings. Now a top-20 matchup, this Pac-12 meeting has a little more weight to it. USC was able to snag a late-game win over Cal last week, and WSU is coming off a 4-0 start to the season.
Washington State quarterback Luke Falk will certainly feel the pressure Friday night, with USC leading the FBS at preventing “successful” passing plays from opponents. The Cougars have a bevy of young wideouts, and this will be their first real challenge of the year. The team will also need the offensive line to step up and be the type of position group that was expected ahead of the season.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
USC vs. Washington State news:
- Freshman running back Stephen Carr gives the Trojans offense hope.
- WSU QB Luke Falk had himself a day in Week 4 against Nevada.
Not only did Falk complete 77 percent of his passes for nearly 500 yards Saturday, he also became the third-leading touchdown passer in Pac-12 history in the process.
- USC’s defense can be a game-saver.
The five turnovers USC forced against Cal were the most turnovers the team has had in five years—equally as impressive is the fact the Trojans forced three interceptions in three consecutive drives to begin the fourth quarter.
- The Trojans stayed at No. 5 in the AP Poll, and the Cougars moved up to No. 16.
Unfamiliar territory for the WSU Cougars
There have been few games in Washington State’s history that the team played host to an early-season primetime matchup between two ranked opponents. In fact, the last time the Cougars hosted another ranked team in September was in 1989, and 1952 before that. The 2002 matchup between the Trojans and Cougars was close, but took place in October, and neither team was ranked in the top five.
USC vs. Washington State prediction:
The Cougars pull off a big upset at home under the lights Friday, with the Trojans’ offensive woes being a little too much to overcome. USC quarterback Sam Darnold continues having turnover issues and WSU ends being able to do what Cal wasn’t.
Subscribe to the Read Option
A daily-ish mini-column on the college football thing of the day, with some other stuff too.
See More:
