Robinson Hoping History Will Repeat

Coach John Robinson is already calling USC’s game against Washington State on Saturday at the Coliseum a must-win game.

History is on the Trojans’ side: Washington State has never beaten UCLA and USC in the same season, and the Cougars beat UCLA, 37-34, in their opening game.

Washington State has beaten USC only five times in 57 meetings--and only one since 1957. USC has won the last nine since losing in 1986 at Pullman, 34-14.

Washington State Coach Mike Price would just as soon his team didn’t know the details.

“I’m not going to make a big deal about our record against USC,” he said.

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John Fox’s debut at quarterback in Saturday’s 14-7 loss to Florida State compared favorably with the first starts of quarterbacks who went on to become USC’s passing leaders.

Fox, a sophomore, completed 18 of 32 passes for 159 yards with one interception.

A glance at some other debuts:

* Rob Johnson completed 10 of 20 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.

* Rodney Peete completed 12 of 17 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown with one interception.

* Todd Marinovich completed 14 of 27 passes for 120 yards, throwing one interception.

* Brad Otton, the only quarterback in the group who won his first start, passed for 208 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Oregon State, completing 13 of 21 passes.

* Sean Salisbury completed 14 of 28 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown, but threw three interceptions.

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Washington St.

WHERE: Coliseum

WHEN: Saturday 3;30 p.m.

TV: Fox Sp. West

RADIO: KLSX FM (97.1)