Three takeaways from USC's win over Washington State

During the first half when linebacker Porter Gustin was out serving a half-game suspension for targeting, Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew seemed to have all day to throw. WSU scored 24 points in the first half as the short pass seemed to be available whenever they wanted it. In the second half, with the return of Gustin, WSU was held to 12 points as Gustin recorded USC’s only sack of the night.

Minshew went 21 of 30 for 179 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, compared to 16 of 22 for 165 yards and one touchdown in the second half.