USC Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Washington State
By Zach Bigalke
3. Porter Gustin will rack up three or more sacks for the Trojans
Not everything will go in favor of the Cougars, and not everything will be grief and suffering for the Trojans. The USC defense will make things difficult for Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew, especially the pressure from the front seven.
The key to the pressure up front is Porter Gustin, the defensive end who currently ranks ninth nationally in sacks through three games. Even though USC currently sits 1-2 in the standings, Gustin has done everything possible to make opposing quarterbacks miserable.
Not only does he rank ninth nationally in sacks, Gustin also ranks 22nd in total tackles for loss. The senior is back after missing much of last year due to injury, and after injuring his knee in the preseason. Ultimately it appears that almost nothing can stop Gustin from wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
The USC defensive star will get into the backfield with regularity, racking up at least three sacks and five tackles for loss as he has a big game in front of a home crowd. Gustin will also force at least one fumble, though USC will fail to recover the loose ball.
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The only question is whether all of USC’s foibles on Friday will add up to a third loss, or if the Trojans can get back to .500 and restore some hope for the 2018 season.