Once again, the Trojans left town and the Cougars had nothing but a horrible taste in their mouths.
Having driven 55 yards to the Southern Cal 11, Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf had four plays and 39 seconds to make the touchdown that would give the Cougars their first win over the Trojans in a decade.But on first-and-10, the Trojans' Matt Keneley sacked Leaf, who fumbled the ball that was recovered at the USC 23 by Sammy Knight.
Southern Cal 29, Washington State 24.
It was, in the words of Trojans coach John Robinson, "another wild game" late Saturday night in the series that in recent years frequently has been decided in USC's favor in the final minutes.
The victory was the ninth in a row for the Trojans (5-3, 3-2 Pac-10) over Washington State (5-3, 3-2), which last won in 1986.
The Trojans did it by shutting down Washington State's rush - holding the Cougars to 55 net yards on the ground - and forcing Leaf into throwing three interceptions.
"We had a tough time blocking their defensive line, no question about it, the whole game," Cougars coach Mike Price said.
The Trojans used a more balanced attack, especially in the second half, when backs Delon Washington and Shawn Walters got untracked. The USC running backs combined for 142 net yards and a touchdown apiece.
USC quarterback Brad Otton completed 13 of 21 attempts for 130 yards and a touchdown.