USC can't be lulled into false sense of confidence after win over UW

USC did beat Washington. The Trojans could have lost the game. They didn't. The defensive line stepped up at the end and made the game-saving plays Lincoln Riley and Gary Patterson were counting on. Winning beats losing (almost) every day of the week. USC's overall reality and situation could be a million times worse, but the Men of Troy avoided disaster and still have something to play for as they prepare for Penn State. However, the Trojans need to be on guard against one thing as they continue with their season.

They have to guard against the Washington Effect.

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What is the Washington Effect? Simple: Everyone who plays Washington in 2025 looks good. Utah State is not a good team, but it very nearly won at Washington earlier this season. The Aggies looked good compared to the other games they have played. Washington State is not a good team. It played Washington closely in the Apple Cup a month ago. Not-great teams are playing competitive games against Washington.

USC needs to realize how unacceptable Saturday's performance was.

Sure, the defensive line played well, and it did win the game for the Trojans, but no one in that locker room should think the defensive line in particular or the full defense in general have turned the corner. They outplayed Washington. In 2026, that's not a special achievement. That's normal. That's merely doing what one is expected to do, nothing more.

USC's secondary played fairly well, but Washington's receivers aren't that good. USC shouldn't develop a false sense of confidence based on that specific achievement.

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Demond Williams couldn't throw consistently against USC's defense. The Trojans shouldn't be led to think their pass defense is suddenly good. No, it's as simple as the fact that they played a below-average quarterback who is having an absolutely terrible season.

Don't get sucked into the Washington Effect. USC won less because it was better, much more because the Huskies were simply worse. That has to be the message for USC going into Penn State. This team hasn't accomplished anything. Guys have to be hungry to do more - much more.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC can't be lulled into false sense of confidence after win over UW