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Articles
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Bush
Burns Washington After slogging through ankle-deep grass at Notre Dame the previous week, USC unleashed its speed against Washington, 51-24, on a fast track Saturday in Seattle. Finding seven different receivers, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart completed 20 passes in 26 attempts for 201 yards and four touchdowns. Last Saturday, the fight song was "Mow on for ol' SC; this Saturday, "Fight on" was back, sans Charlie Weis, who is always looking to gain an edge over an opponent -- even if it means blowing the budget on fertilizer and water. This Saturday, USC (7-0, 4-0) showcased its talent, featuring big plays highlighted by Reggie Bush and Dwayne Jarrett. With USC ahead 20-10, Bush burned Washington with a twisting, tackle-evading 84-yard TD punt return in the second quarter that was made for television replay. Running on two wheels, spewing Field Turf rubber along the way, SC's Ferrari seemingly can accelerate from 0 to 40 in 4.3 seconds wearing football paraphernalia and encumbering pigskin. But Jarrett's one-handed touchdown grab was made for TV replays, too. In the third quarter, leaping high over defender Roy Lewis, Jarrett snagged the ball with his right hand, cradled the ball in and was able to keep one foot in bounds. Washington (1-6, 0-4) led 10-7 with 1:28 to go in the first quarter; however, the nation's number one college team scored four unanswered times to take a 34-10 lead at the 9:08 mark in the second quarter. At that point, the fat lady sang, and the game was in the freezer. Opinion: Although USC's defense is not as good as last season, its offense is better. An off-field made soggy by rain or "sloggy" by ankle-deep grass might lead to a Trojan defeat in its remaining games. UCLA is good enough to beat the Trojans on an off track at the Coliseum, perhaps, even on a fair field. The Good: -- Washington's pass receivers continue to impress. -- On the stat sheet, UW acquitted itself well, allowing just 390 total yards to 'SC while posting 320 yards against its fairly good defense. -- Quarterback Isaiah Stanbacks' pass-efficiency rating was 189.9 on the game. Stanback contributed four yards to the rushing total, despite being sacked four times. -- Marlon Wood's 92-yard punt return. -- Dashon Goldson's 76-yard TD interception return. The Bad: -- An anemic running game. -- Two lost fumbles and a blocked punt. -- Five sacks allowed. -- Marlon Wood fractured an ankle and, most likely, is lost for the season. -- No defensive push up the middle. Richard Linde (a.k.a., Malamute) can be reached at
malamute@4malamute.com |
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