Oh how the mighty have fallen. The USC Trojans (4-4) head north to face the Washington Huskies (4-4) in Husky Stadium on Saturday with both teams looking to salvage something from a season of shortcomings. Shortcomings on standards set by themselves. Contextualizing these and unpacking a numerous other underlying facets will be a couple of ace broadcasters.

Both teams have followed a similar theme this season. After losing their star quarterbacks to the NFL, regression has followed suit. The matchup has lost appeal compared to previous iterations played with playoff implications as a backdrop. However, there is plenty at stake. The game will be nationally broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Jeff Levering and Jake Butt will call the game from the booth, with Brooke Fletcher reporting from the sidelines.

Levering is one of the most seasoned play-by-play guys in the business, plying his trade across all three major sports. His comrade and former NFL tight end Butt is newer in the booth but a shrewd analyst, bringing experience garnered on the gridiron to the mic. Butt is a Michigan alum and knows a thing or two about this B1G clash. Together, these two are set to elevate what should be a fascinating watch.

Lincoln Riley’s team came into the game after ending a 3-game slide with a 42-20 win over Rutgers. The transition from Caleb Williams to Miller Moss has left Riley in a precarious situation. However, the predicament at USC is minor compared to that in Seattle. 

Jedd Fisch’s first year as HC has seen his team go from the National Championship game last year to being in an uphill battle to make bowl eligibility. The Huskies have lost two on the bounce by an average deficit of 19 points. The offensive struggles after Micheal Penix Jr.’s turning pro continue.

Riley or Fisch- Who’s likelier to come out on top?

The USC Trojans are yet to win a road conference game this season. Meanwhile, Fisch’s outfit remains unbeaten at Husky Stadium. Despite this, USC are slight favorites (-2.5). This is primarily due to Washington’s inability to score. The Huskies have failed to score more than 27 points since Week 2. And that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon

USC is the no. 1 defense in the country on 3rd downs. When in dire need of a stop, Riley’s troops have pulled through more often than anyone. If the offense can complement the defense well enough, the Trojans should be able to leave Seattle with a win.

The stage is set for one of these coaches to vindicate their seasons and win some apprehensive voices over. Which team will pull through and take a step closer to bowl eligibility? Action begins at 4.30 PM Pacific (7.30 PM Eastern).