USC visits Washington State in Friday Night Pac-12 Action

Friday night Pac-12 football highlights the Week 5 college football calendar between two ranked teams when the No. 5 ranked USC Trojans visit the No. 16 ranked Washington State Cougars. The current line has USC favored by 3.5 points with the over/under point total on 65.

Entering the game, USC on the season is 4-0 straight up and 1-3 against the spread. On the road, the Trojans are 1-0 SU and 0-1 ATS. Washington State on the season is 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS. At home, the Cougars are 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS.

This is the first time the two teams have played since 2014 and the first time Washington State has opened with four straight wins since 2001. USC dating back to last season has won 13 straight games.

This will be the fifth consecutive home game for the Cougars to begin the season and the team has scored 31 points or more in each of its four victories thus far. USC has not had it easy in its four wins, but at 4-0 are far better than they started last season at 1-3.

USC quarterback Sam Darnold has not played as sharp thus far this season as many had expected. In four games, he has thrown seven interceptions, while last season in 10 games as the USC starter he threw just eight.

USC has an injury problem with wide receivers, as Deontay Burnett who has 33 receptions and 462 yards is nursing a sore shoulder and is doubtful for Friday’s game. Wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. missed last week’s game and is likely to miss Friday’s as well.

Luke Falk is starting for the fourth season at quarterback for Washington State. After four games, he has a 77% completion percentage, 1,379 yards passing, 14 touchdown passes and just 1 interception.

USC is 19-3-2 in its 24 previous games played at Washington State.

Washington State has scored three touchdowns on defense this season, which is No. 7 in the country.

USC is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road.

Washington State is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games versus Pac-12 opponents.

Prediction: USC has more talent, but Washington State will stay close and will cover in the end.