Washington @ Southern California preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Washington 32, Southern California 31

THE STORY: After praising Southern Cal quarterback Matt Barkley all week, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian looks to slow him down Saturday when the Huskies visit the surging Trojans. Barkley leads the Pac-12 with 28 touchdown passes as Southern Cal has won four of its last five games. The Huskies have lost two of their last three after an impressive start and they rank 93rd in total defense at 424.9 yards per game.

TV: FX. LINE: Southern Cal -11.5.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12 North): Quarterback Keith Price has come back to earth with six interceptions in the past three games. He had two picks against Oregon and was sacked six times. Running back Chris Polk was held to less than 100 yards rushing for only the second time this season against the Ducks, but still ranks seventh in the nation and second in the conference with 121.8 yards rushing per game. Polk also has nine rushing touchdowns. Barkley could have a record-setting game against Washington’s porous pass defense, which is ranked 113th in the nation.

ABOUT SOUTHERN CAL (7-2, 4-2 Pac-12 South): Barkley was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week after throwing a school-record six touchdown passes in a 42-17 victory over Colorado last week. Robert Woods is averaging 10 receptions per game, and is fourth nationally and first in the conference in receiving yardage at 124.6 yards. The Trojans are as healthy as they’ve been in weeks, with running backs Marc Tyler and George Farmer both likely to play against the Huskies. Curtis McNeal will start at running back for the second straight week.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Barkley is one of 13 finalists for the 2011 Wuerffel Trophy, presented to the college football player who best combines community service with athletic and academic achievement.

2. The Trojans hold a 49-28-4 series advantage, although the Huskies have gone 9-9-1 over the last 19 games. Washington won the past two games on last-second field goals by kicker Erik Folk.

3. Washington’s coaching staff has several ties to Southern Cal. Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt both worked on Pete Carroll’s staff, along with cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin.

PREDICTION: Southern Cal 44, Washington 24 - The Huskies won’t be able to slow the Trojans’ high-powered aerial attack, giving coach Lane Kiffin his first win over Sarkisian.