USC
6-0 , 4-0
Washington State
4-2 , 1-2
Travis Dye, Tuli Tuipulotu Lead No. 6 USC Football To 30-14 Win Over Washington State
October 08, 2022 | Football
LOS ANGELES — Travis Dye ran for 149 yards — his fourth game with over 100 rushing yards this season — and a touchdown as No. 6 USC Football defeated Washington State, 30-14, at United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night.
The win improves USC's record to 6-0 (4-0 Pac-12). The Trojans last started a season 6-0 in 2006 when USC finished 11-2 overall, with a Pac-10 co-championship, a win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl and a No. 4 final AP ranking.
"Really, really tough, hard-fought win," said USC head coach Lincoln Riley. "We had to win this one, again in a different way. We talked to the guys all week about how circumstances don't make or break you whether they are positive or negative.
"We're all aware of the history — both positive and some of the tough parts of it," Riley said regarding the Trojans' milestone. "To be able to find a way to win these games, especially in a lot of different ways, has been a lot of fun. We know more challenges are upcoming, and we're going to appreciate it, but also keep our sights forward."
Mario Williams caught two touchdowns from Caleb Williams and finished with 82 receiving yards on four catches. Caleb Williams was 15-of-29 passing with 188 yards.
Tuli Tuipulotu anchored the Trojan defense with five tackles (four for loss) and a game-high three sacks. Ralen Goforth had a team-high seven tackles. Nick Figueroa also contributed two sacks.
Denis Lynch was 3-for-3 on field goals and converted all three of his point-after attempts.
It appeared USC would rout Washington State (4-2, 1-2 Pac-12) right away after stopping the Cougars on the opening possession. Mario Williams caught his first touchdown for 38 yards and Lynch made his first field goal of the game on the next drive, giving the Trojans a 10-0 edge after the first period.
Washington State quickly roared back into the game with Cameron Ward's 12-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the second quarter. USC's offense stalled for most of the second period and allowed the Cougars to take a 14-10 lead after Ward threw another touchdown pass.
Dye ran free into the endzone on a 4-yard touchdown run and put the Trojans back up moments before halftime.
THIS MAN DYE! 😤 pic.twitter.com/x4Lnj9LBBL
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) October 9, 2022
"All credit goes to the o-line," Dye said. "That defensive line is crazy good, and that defensive coordinator can really dial it up. The o-line was identifying everything and blocking it. It was wonderful tonight, all credit to them."
The Trojan offense kept searching for its rhythm amid two consecutive three-and-outs to start the second half, but USC got a spark when Mario Williams made a diving catch in the endzone with 5:17 left in the third quarter. USC's defense shut out Washington State the entire half as Lynch made two more field goals in the fourth quarter to complete the game's scoring.
Make 'em press rewind ⏮
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) October 9, 2022
📺: FOX / @CFBONFOX
📱: https://t.co/siKIQEwa8G pic.twitter.com/Gm6N6Yv2GG
"Coach (Alex) Grinch does a great job of preparing us in practice, and that's why every game we come and show out," Tuipulotu said. "Everybody's ready."
The Trojans will be away from the Coliseum for the next three weeks, with a trip at No. 18 Utah, a bye week and a road game at Arizona scheduled. USC will return on Homecoming/Reunion Weekend on Nov. 5 and will host California.
This team continues to get better, and we continue to lean on each other," Rilet said. "I think if you ask most people, it's been fun. It's been tough, it's been a grind to start to build this. If you ask these guys, I think we're all having a hell of a lot of fun right now, and really enjoy playing the game. We only get so many this year, we wish we had more."
Postgame check-in with @TuipulotuTuli! pic.twitter.com/5ieTcxTmTk
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) October 9, 2022
Team Stats
WSU 0, USC 7
USC - Williams,Mario 38 yd pass from Williams,Caleb (Lynch,Denis kick) 8 plays, 82 yards, TOP 03:32
WSU 0, USC 10
USC - Lynch,Denis 31 yd field goal 7 plays, 46 yards, TOP 02:50
WSU 7, USC 10
WSU - Ferrel,Robert 12 yd pass from Ward,Cameron (Janikowski,Dean kick) 8 plays, 92 yards, TOP 03:29
WSU 14, USC 10
WSU - Watson,Nakia 1 yd pass from Ward,Cameron (Janikowski,Dean kick) 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:49
WSU 14, USC 17
USC - Dye,Travis 4 yd run (Lynch,Denis kick), 11 plays, 65 yards, TOP 06:19
WSU 14, USC 24
USC - Williams,Mario 24 yd pass from Williams,Caleb (Lynch,Denis kick) 5 plays, 62 yards, TOP 02:24
WSU 14, USC 27
USC - Lynch,Denis 27 yd field goal 13 plays, 70 yards, TOP 07:27
WSU 14, USC 30
USC - Lynch,Denis 31 yd field goal 11 plays, 51 yards, TOP 05:21
