USC Football: 3 takeaways from Week 5 loss at Washington State

PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: Renard Bell #81 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against Aiene Harris #27 and Iman Marshall #8 of the USC Trojans in the first half at Martin Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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USC football and Washington State squared off in a defensive struggle on Friday night. Here are three takeaways from the #Pac12AfterDark action in Pullman.

#Pac12AfterDark action started a day early this week, as No. 5 USC went to Pullman to take on No. 16 Washington State on Friday night. The two undefeated teams traded punches in the Palouse as the defenses came up big repeatedly. Instead of a shootout, we were treated to a grind.

The winner was destined to set themselves up as not only a conference favorite but also a serious contender for one of the four College Football Playoff spots. USC and Washington State traded the lead back and forth, until the home side began to take control in the second half.

Ultimately, the Cougars managed to pull off the upset in regulation 30-27 at home. Though USC was the five-point favorite, they were downed on the road to sustain their first loss of the season. Now, prior to Saturday action, only two undefeated teams remain in the Pac-12 — and they’re both located in the state of Washington.

What does this game mean for both teams? Here are three takeaways from the Trojans defeat in Pullman on a crazy Friday night.

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