USC defense key in blowing out Washington State

By Arash Markazi, SI.com

What We Learned

USC's defense limited Jason Hill and Washington State's potent offense to 284 yards and 13 points. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

USC: Often criticized for sleepwalking through the first quarter, USC exploded for 28 points and 269 yards in the first against Washington State, putting the game out of reach before many fans enjoying the homecoming festivities outside the Coliseum made it to their seats.

While the offense stole the spotlight by putting up 55 points and 745 total yards, the biggest development was the re-emergence of a defense that has been maligned for much of the season.

Washington State came in with the nation's sixth-best offense in total yards (518.6 per game) ninth in scoring (39.1 a game), but were held to 284 yards and 13 points. Cougars quarterback Alex Brink completed just 9 of 17 passes for 64 yards before leaving the game in the fourth quarter.

"We're getting better every game [in the secondary]," safety Darnell Bing said. "I'd say this was our best performance. We were breaking up passes and getting all over them."

It was the type of blowout that USC enjoyed earlier in the season when both their offense and defense dominated the opposition. The Trojans scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and allowed only six points through three quarters.

"They're definitely the No. 1 team," said Cougars receiver Jason Hill. "The best I've faced"

Washington State: The Cougars came in hoping to control the tempo of the game by running the ball successfully. Although tailback Jerome Harrison ran for 147 yards and a touchdown, they were unable to control the tempo, falling behind 28-6 after one quarter and 38-6 at the half.

The biggest reason for the lopsided score rests on the shoulders of a defense that gave up 55 points and 745 yards, the most in team history.

"I was shocked," said coach Bill Doba. "I thought we could compete better than that."

Player Who Impressed Me

Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush might steal the headlines and Heisman hype, but LenDale White quietyly has become the heart of this team. He once again showed why he should be mentioned with the Trojans' other Heisman candidates, running for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. After the game he got a big hug from Leinart who said: "Can he get on a Heisman list or what?"

Dwayne Jarrett also had a big day, catching 11 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown. "He just continues to dominate every Saturday," said Leinart who completed 24 of 34 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns. "I'm lucky I get to throw to him."

Locker Room Confidential

After getting a surprise visit from Spike Lee during practice this week, the Trojans continued to attract stars Saturday. Director George Lucas led the band in a playing of Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) in the first quarter and congratulated the team in the locker room after the game. Snoop Dogg, wearing a White jersey and surrounded by two bodyguards, was high-fiving students. After White scored his first touchdown in the second quarter, he threw the ball to Snoop instead of giving it to the official as he normally does. Snoop proceeded to run off the field, then struck a Heisman pose.

"I've known Snoop for a couple years. I told him if he could come out to the game today it would be awesome, and I told him if I scored a touchdown I'd try to get it to him someway," said White. "Right before that play he looked at me and I pointed at him. He pointed back at me and when I got into the end zone I slipped him the ball."

Jon Favreau (Swingers), Faizon Love (The Parent 'Hood), former USC quarterback Rodney Peete and his wife Holly Robinson Peete (Hangin' with Mr. Cooper) were also watching from the sideline.

The Big Picture

This would be considered the "soft spot" in the Trojans' schedule. After playing five of their first seven games on the road -- three against ranked opponents -- USC follows this blowout with a home game against Stanford before returning to the site of its last loss when they play Cal in Berkeley on Nov. 12. Since that loss in 2003, USC has won 30 consecutive games and 41 of its last 42.

Washington State returns home looking for its first conference win of the season, hosting Arizona State and Oregon before closing out at Washington in the Apple Cup.