Washington State Game Impressions: 5 Ws and an H

Round Up:

USC routed the Cougars of Washington State 50-16.

Quarterback Matt Barkley was hit and miss with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He completed 64% of his passes for 290 yards.

WSU quarterback Jeff Tuel also had a 64% completion rating for 221 yards, but threw just one touchdown to three interceptions.

Fullback Stanley Havili electrified on the ground for 80 yards, including a 59 yard touchdown run on USC's first play of the game. Allen Bradford's 84 yards led all running backs, but he also lost a fumble. Marc Tyler added a touchdown and 30 yards while Dillon Baxter had 76 yards on 15 carries.

The Cougar rushing attack was headed by Tuel, who managed just 26 yards. Logwone Mitz added 24 yards.

Havili also topped the receivers, catching 5 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Ronald Johnson, Robert Woods and Brice Butler each caught touchdown passes as well.

Washington State's Jared Karstetter had a team high 89 yards through the air and two touchdowns.

WHEN was the game decided:

Early in the third quarter, Barkley found Woods in the end zone for a seven yard touchdown. The score capped a four play, 93 yard drive to start the half. The Trojans would go on to score 14 more unanswered points to put the game away.

WHO stood out:

Is there a more effective or sparingly-used weapon on the USC offense than Stanley Havili? He is a man among boys and his participation could be the difference between winning and losing in many a game this season.

The defense, particularly the secondary, continues to show improvement week to week. The tackling is better, the pass coverage is better, the overall awareness is better. Also a very positive sign was the pocket containment. Tuel, a QB who is comfortable taking off and running, was held in check on the ground.

True freshman Nickell Robey is starting to show why the coaches chose him as the starter. His pick six was an example of his improved recognition and his second interception was just icing on the cake of a strong performance. He did give up an early touchdown but even then he was in position and his coverage was not bad.

Another true freshman, Robert Woods, seems determined to shed his freshman label as quickly as possible. His play resembles that of a veteran.

The whole team deserves recognition for once again improving in the penalty department. Five flags for 39 yards is significantly more acceptable for this team.

WHERE do we need to improve:

Matt Barkley lacks consistency. That's a big problem. In the first half he looked scared in the pocket. He made bad decisions and bad throws. His two interceptions were costly and kept the Cougars much closer than they should have been. The good news is that he came back in the second half and appeared more comfortable, made better throws and performed strongly. But one half off, one half on will not cut it against teams like Oregon or Stanford and such play could spell disaster against beatable teams like Washington and Oregon State.

Turnovers need to stop. Barkley's interceptions were unacceptable. Bradford's fumbling problem could cost him the starting job, which is a shame considering how well he's been running.

WHAT did we learn:

The true freshman are coming into their own. Robey and Woods were pivotal to the win and Dillon Baxter looks poised for at least a productive season.

Havili will be a key to any USC success this season.

WHY was this game important:

The Trojans are now 4-0 to start the season for the first time since 2007. The team could have easily collapsed under the weight of the NCAA sanctions, breaking in a new coaching staff and inexperience. Instead they have improved in every game and continue to fight through adversity.

Things that made you go HUH:

The mystery of the kickers and the number ten is still unexplained. Is it possible Kiffin is just playing with everyone for fun?

Next week:

The Trojans take on Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies at the Coliseum. Steve Sarkisian's squad is 1-2 and will be coming off a bye week when they come to Los Angeles.