3:10 P.M.

I mentioned in an earlier post the Trojans have won their last 17 road games, including 12 in the Pac-10. Their last loss? In an overtime game in Pullman back in 2002.

That's another Cougar positive, they've defeated a Pete Carroll-coached team in Pullman before. Of course, few of those Cougars are still in Pullman, that team was coached by Mike Price and WSU hasn't defeated USC since – which pretty much negates any benefit.

- So does the Cougar injury woes up front. With Bobby Byrd and Josh Duin hurt, the Cougs have had to revamp the front five on offense. East Valley's Andy Roof is back at right guard – we are going to watch Roof a lot today – but Dan Rowlands is listed as the starting right guard and the backup center. True freshman Kenny Alfred starts at center and Sean O'Conner mans the left-tackle spot. The facts are the Cougs are smaller up front today – against a big, quick squad – and inexperienced as a group.

- New Cougar uniforms. WSU unveiled a primarily gray home uniform – gray pants and sleeves, crimson torso – that remind me of a Arena football ensemble. Maybe this is the Cougs way to spark the offense.

- The strength of the USC offensive line is left tackle Sam Baker, a 6-foot-5 305-pound senior. He'll match up often against Mkristo Bruce and if Baker gets at least a standoff, the Cougs' pass rush may wilt.

- Pete Carroll is a better passer than Bill Doba. Watching the USC coach warm up on the sideline right now, it's possible he's a better passer than – wait, he just had a pass slip out of his hand and pop up in the air. Maybe he's taught John David Booty that move.

More later. By the way, I've heard Conquest twice now. Only 1,457 more to go.

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