A glance at USC's football schedule before the season revealed two red flags, two blinking warning signs that said "Danger. Look Out." The first was on Sept. 27 against California and the second is for this Saturday against WSU. The Trojans (7-1, 3-1) were upset by the Golden Bears in triple overtime, their only loss of what is turning into an even better season than last year's Orange Bowl-capping campaign. USC is ranked third by both the Associated Press and ESPN Coaches polls, and the Cougars are No. 6.

Washington State (7-1, 4-0) would love to flatten USC's tires again, like the Cougars did last year in Pullman, Wash., when they won in overtime, effectively derailing the Trojans off the track to the Rose Bowl. USC had a grand time going to Miami and beating Iowa but given the choice, the Rose Bowl is the Trojans' first post-season choice.

The Cougars, if not for a fourth-quarter rally by Notre Dame, would be undefeated. USC is a heavy favorite, some odds makers post the Cougars as 11-point underdogs.

But what makes this game one of the best of the college season are the intangibles, the unforeseen ghosts that might make a post-Halloween appearance.

USC has several key starters hurt including wide receiver Mike Williams and linebacker Matt Grootegoed, both with ankle sprains, and Shawn Cody, who is still having problems with his surgically-repaired knee.

The Trojans will probably throw their 1-2-3-4 running game punch at WSU, the tailback brigade of Hershel Dennis, Reggie Bush, LenDale White and Chauncey Washington, all who have been virtually unstoppable, especially Bush. His cutback run for a touchdown against Notre Dame reminded old USC watchers of O.J. Simpson's famous dash against UCLA in 1967 that sealed a 21-20 win.

If USC has a weakness it's in its defensive secondary where problems stemming from injuries and inexperience have nagged an otherwise stalwart defense's play. It's a good bet that WSU quarterback Matt Kegel is watching film of USC's loss to Cal in which the Bears' passing game shredded Darnell Bing and his teammates.

"We're holding our breath," says Pete Carroll.

"They have a lot of weapons," said Bill Doba.

A sold-out Coliseum crowd may not take a deep breath until the game is over.

Here's a look at some other important games this weekend:

UCLA (6-2, 3-0) at STANFORD (2-4, 0-4) | Although power running back Manuel White is out for the season with a broken right shoulder blade, the Bruins got their No. 1 quarterback, Matt Moore, back from a leg injury last week against Arizona State. UCLA's defense is slightly banged up, with cornerback Matt Ware and defensive tackle Rodney Leisle sidelined, but the Bruins should have little trouble covering the 6-point spread against the dismal Cardinal. UCLA stays undefeated in Pac. 10.

OREGON at WASHINGTON | Huskies, still smarting from their lop-sided loss to USC last week, will rely on their passing game, led by Cody Pickett, to carry them past the Ducks at home. Seattle's a tough place to play for any team and Washington covers its 2-point spread.