USC looks to pressure UCLA in Pac-12 clash
Winner earns berth against Stanford in conference title game
With a berth against Stanford in the Pac-12 championship game on the line, USC knows it must force freshman quarterback Josh Rosen into making mistakes if it hopes to beat No. 22 UCLA.
But that is not easily done. Rosen has not thrown an interception in his last 218 passes, the longest streak in the FBS this season and a school record. Much of that success comes from improved pass protection and Rosen’s understated ability to avoid pressure.
“He keeps plays alive,” Trojans linebacker Su’a Cravens said. “He’s not necessarily going to scramble or move in the pocket to find a running lane, he’s going to do it to keep the play going and find an open receiver, and he does it pretty well.”
Rosen has been sacked only 11 times in eight Pac-12 games, the lowest total in the conference.
Defensive lineman Delvon Simmons expects the USC defense to come out with a sharper mindset Saturday against UCLA than it showed in a loss at Oregon. A win over the Bruins would break a three-game losing streak in the rivalry.
“It would be great for me to go out there and get this one, man,” Simmons said. “I’m focused on trying to get the win not only for me and my team but so we get the chance to play Stanford and compete for the Pac-12.”
Apple Cup: Jeremiah Allison committed to Washington State when it was at the bottom of the Pac-12. Twice in his career with the Cougars, he’s experienced underachieving three-win seasons.
So Allison understands why this season has become so special for No. 20 Washington State and the opportunity in front of the host Cougars on Friday in the Apple Cup against rival Washington to make his senior season truly memorable.
“Those who win in No- vember are remembered,” Allison said.
After opening the year with arguably the most embarrassing home loss in school history, the Cougars (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12) can keep alive the chance at a 10win season and potentially keep their rivals home for the holidays by beating the Huskies. Only six times in school history has Washington State reached the 10-win mark, but a victory over the Huskies (5-6, 3-5) and in its bowl game would cap an unexpected turnaround after the year began losing to Portland State.
Washington State coach Mike Leach has not said if quarterback Luke Falk will play after being taken off the field on a backboard after suffering an apparent head injury against Colorado. Redshirt freshman Peyton Bender might make his first college start against the Huskies.
Washington coach Chris Petersen has signed a two-year contract extension through the 2020 sea- son, the school announced
CivilWar: Vernon Adams Jr. is grateful that No. 18 Oregon is on track to finish strong after a senior season of ups and downs.
The quarterback transfer from Eastern Washington will play in his final home game at Autzen Stadium when Oregon hosts Oregon State on Friday in the 119th Civil War.
“I’ve just enjoyed my time here, meeting new friends and enjoying this experience. I’m just very thankful for it,” Adams said this week.
Adams broke his index finger in the opener against his former team. He struggled with the injury before Oregon sat him down for a couple of games.
Since his return, the Ducks (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12) have gone 5-0. Against USC last weekend, Adams threw for 407 yards and six touchdowns, matching the school record.
The Beavers (2-9, 0-8) have lost eight straight and face the possibility of going winless in conference for the first time since 1997.
Baylor-TCU: The No. 7 Bears (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) will be starting third-string quarterback Chris Johnson against the No. 15 Horned Frogs (9-2, 6-2) on Friday.
Johnson was moved to receiver just before the season after freshman Jarrett Stidham earned the backup role behind starting quarterback Seth Russell.
Johnson was switched back to quarterback after Russell sustained a seasonending neck injury Oct. 24. Stidham was injured last week against Oklahoma State.
Texas Tech 48, Texas
45: DeAndre Washington ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and the Red Raiders (7- 5, 4- 5 Big 12) beat the Longhorns (4-7, 3- 5) for their first roadwin in the rivalry since 1997. Tailback ChrisWarren III set a Texas freshman record with 276 yards rushing and scored four touchdowns.