Anyway, what a difference a few days make.
After their dramatic 18-15 victory at Ohio State on Sept. 12, the Trojans were ranked No. 3 in the nation, seemingly ready to take on the world.
But USC was shocked at Washington 16-13 in its Pac-10 Conference opener on Sept. 19, and now coach Pete Carroll's team finds itself outside of the Top 10 and already trailing in the conference race.
The No. 12 Trojans (2-1) will try to get back into a groove on Saturday, Sept. 26, when they face Washington State (1-2) in a Pac-10 game at Los Angeles. The contest is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. PST, and will be telecast regionally by Fox Sports Net.
Coach Paul Wulff's Cougars will be playing their second Pac-10 game. The first was a 39-13 loss to Stanford in the opener. Washington State then fell to 38-20 to Hawaii before winning a 30-27 overtime decision over Southern Methodist last week.
Carroll announced Wednesday that freshman quarterback Matt Barkley will be back at the controls for USC, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. Barkley sat out the Washington game because of a shoulder injury.
Sophomore Aaron Corp struggled in his place last week, as USC was limited to one touchdown. But the fact is, the Trojans offense hasn't quite been stellar with Barkley, either.
Trojans' Passing Game Lacks Explosiveness
The Trojans are averaging 431 yards per game, gaining 236.7 on the ground and 194.3 through the air. But take away the season-opening 56-3 trouncing of San Jose State, and the numbers look more ordinary.
One interesting statistic is that the Trojans' main pass catchers –Damian Williams, David Ausberry, tight end Anthony McCoy and fullback Stanley Havili – have produced zero TD receptions.
USC's thrown for just two touchdowns – one each by Barkley and Corp. And both came during the second half vs. San Jose State. The players who caught them were backup fullback D.J. Shoemate and reserve tight end Rhett Allison.
One problem is that speedster Ronald Johnson is out with a broken collarbone, and isn't around to stretch opposing defenses. Another is that the Trojans have been extremely content to pound away with their running game.
USC Hadn't Been Held Under 20 Points in Consecutive Games Since 2000
With two young quarterbacks running the show, that doesn't seem like such a bad strategy. USC has talented runners like Joe McKnight (41 carries for 305 yards, 3 TDs) and Stafon Johnson (27 carries, 141 yards, 4 TDs). And the Trojans' offensive line features two preseason All-Americans in guard Jeff Byers and center Kris O'Dowd.
But with that formula, USC has failed to break 20 points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2000 season. And it hasn't helped that the Trojans have committed six turnovers, including three vs. Washington.
The Trojans’ passing numbers are OK. Barkley's 30-for-50 for 428 yards with an interception. Corp is 17-for-26 for 155 with one pick.
But Williams, with a team-high 11 catches for 158 yards, and Havili (9 receptions, 86 yards) are the only ones averaging more than two receptions per game. McCoy and Ausberry have six catches each, as does McKnight.
Trojans Defense Remains Solid
USC played last weekend without All-American safety Taylor Mays, who sat out with a knee injury. But the Trojans gave up just 16 points and 293 yards. On the season, they’re allowing only 226.3 yards per game, and only 51.0 rushing. The most glaring weak point is that the Trojans have forced only three turnovers.
Chris Galippo is responsible for two. The sophomore linebacker has forced a fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown this season. He also leads the team with 22 tackles, including four for losses.
Linebacker Michael Morgan is next with 15 tackles, including six for losses, and Mays has 14 tackles. Other standouts include cornerback Josh PInkard (12 tackles, 3 pass breakups) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (12 tackles).
Linemen Everson Griffen, Nick Perry and Jurrell Casey each have 10 tackles. Redshirt freshman Perry leads the team with 10 sacks, Griffen has two and Casey has one. USC has 10 sacks on the season overall.
Cougars Switch QBs Prior to Victory
Facing the Trojans pass rush will be sophomore Marshall Lobbestael, who passed for 239 yards and two touchdowns in Washington State's win over SMU.
Lobbestael was inserted into the starting lineup before the game in place of senior Kevin Lopina, and the move appeared to pay off. Before being benched, Lopina was 28-for-48 passing for 313 yards with one TD and two interceptions. Loebbestael is 37-for-71 for 353 yards, with two TDs and three interceptions.
Washington State's top receivers are sophomore Jared Karstetter (11 catches, 186 yards, 2 TDs), Daniel Blackledge (11 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD) and Jeffrey Solomon (10 catches, 110 yards).
James Montgomery leads Washington State rushers with 37 carries for 167 yard and a touchdown. Dwight Tardy has 28 carries for 117 yards.
The Cougars are averaging 342.7 yards per game. They're passing for 237.7 and running for 105.0.
Washington State Picks Way to Pair of Scores
Washington State is giving up a whopping 537 yards per game, with 368.7 coming through the air.
But passing on the Cougars isn't always easy. Last week, sophomore linebackers Alex Hoffman-Ellis and Myron Beck each returned interceptions for WSU touchdowns.
Safeties Xavier Hicks and Chima Nwachukwu lead Washington State with 20 tackles apiece, and Louis Bland – another sophomore linebacker – has 19 tackles. Senior linebacker James Stripling is next on the list with 16.
The Cougars have been helped by strong punting. Reid Forrest is averaging 45.5 yards per kick, with a long of 64 yards.
Trojans Dominant in Series with Washington State
USC has won six straight over the Cougars, including a 69-0 demolition last year . The Trojans lead the series 56-8-4, with Washington State's last victory being a 30-27 overtime triumph in 2002. The Cougars also won 33-27 in 2001, their last victory in LA.
