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The Washington Huskies get set to face the USC Trojans as they complete a very difficult first half of the regular season. Washington stands at 3-2 and has played three very difficult games. Washington got pummeled in Baton Rouge by LSU and didn't fare much better in Eugene as their archrivals Oregon knocked them around for the ninth straight year. Washington did manage to hold Stanford down and pick up a big upset, but now they must turn around and prepare for USC.
Washington has had success recently in their series with USC, winning two of the last three. However, USC didn't have much trouble last year in a 40-17 victory. Steve Sarkisian touched a little upon the matchup with the Trojans in the Pac-12 coaches teleconference this afternoon. Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times has Sarkisian's quotes touching on the matchup between outstanding Washington cornerback Desmond Trufaunt and the fierce wide receiving duo of Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
Sarkisian said that Trufant is "playing at an extremely high level.'' He said Trufant has "always been a fantastic player'' but more than ever is taking what is being practiced during the week on the field on gameday. He noted that Trufant had the interception that sealed the Stanford game and made the play that resulted in the interception last week (getting the initial pass breakup). He said Trufant "likes the opportunity and the challenge'' presented this week in facing Lee and Woods.
Sarkisian also touches on quarterback Keith Price and how difficult it is to defend Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Check out the quotes in Condotta's conference call.