Washington State Cougars vs. USC Trojans
The Washington State Cougars traveled to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans on October 8, 2022, in a Pac-12 showdown at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This game had high stakes, with USC aiming to maintain its undefeated record and Washington State looking to make a statement against one of the top teams in the country.
Game Recap: Trojans Hold Off the Cougars
USC, led by head coach Lincoln Riley and star quarterback Caleb Williams, entered the game ranked No. 6 in the nation. Washington State, under head coach Jake Dickert, had already shown promise earlier in the season with a strong win against Wisconsin and was hoping to pull off another upset.
First Half: A Competitive Start
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth battle, with Washington State showing early signs of competitiveness. Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward demonstrated his playmaking ability, moving the ball well against a talented USC defense. Ward connected with his receivers on several key plays, including a 12-yard touchdown pass to cut into the Trojans’ lead.
However, Caleb Williams and the USC offense responded quickly. Running back Travis Dye played a crucial role, finding gaps in the Washington State defense and scoring an early touchdown. Williams also showcased his ability to extend plays, finding wide receiver Mario Williams for a big gain that set up another scoring opportunity.
At halftime, USC held a slim 17-14 lead, with Washington State still very much in the game.
Second Half: USC Defense Takes Control
The second half saw USC’s defense tighten up, limiting Washington State’s offensive opportunities. The Cougars struggled to find the same rhythm they had in the first two quarters, as the Trojans’ pass rush increased pressure on Cameron Ward. Defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was a standout, recording multiple sacks and disrupting the Cougars’ offensive flow.
On the offensive side, USC capitalized on defensive stops. Caleb Williams continued to showcase his dual-threat ability, evading pressure and making pinpoint throws downfield. Travis Dye added another touchdown, solidifying the Trojans’ control of the game.
Despite Washington State’s efforts to stay within striking distance, USC’s defense proved too strong. The Trojans sealed the game with a final defensive stop and ran out the clock, securing a 30-14 victory.
Key Takeaways
1. USC’s Defense Stepped Up
While the Trojans’ offense gets most of the attention, their defense was the real difference-maker in this game. Tuli Tuipulotu led the charge with multiple sacks, and the secondary made key plays to prevent Washington State from mounting a comeback.
2. Caleb Williams’ Poise Under Pressure
Williams didn’t have his most explosive game, but he made the plays that mattered. His ability to extend plays and keep drives alive was crucial in USC’s second-half surge.
3. Washington State Showed Fight
Despite the loss, Washington State proved they could compete with one of the nation’s top teams. Cameron Ward showed flashes of brilliance, and the Cougars’ defense held strong in the first half. However, offensive struggles in the second half ultimately cost them a chance at the upset.
Looking Ahead
For USC, this win was another step toward their goal of winning the Pac-12 and earning a potential College Football Playoff berth. The Trojans continued their unbeaten streak and gained momentum heading into the heart of their schedule.
Washington State, meanwhile, needed to regroup and refocus. Despite the loss, they remained a dangerous team in the Pac-12, with the potential to shake up the conference standings as the season progressed.
This matchup showcased the growing competitiveness of the Pac-12, with Washington State proving they could challenge top teams and USC continuing to build its case as a national contender.
