Team gives credit to Southern Cal

After Saturday's 43-23 loss to then-No. 5 USC -- which, by the way, now ranks third in both major polls -- the Huskies have had trouble shaking the bad taste from their mouths. And it's not because they played badly or threw the game away in the waning moments, it's because the Trojans made them realize just how far Washington football still has to go.

And that's not necessarily easy to stomach.

The way in which USC used its speed to assault the Huskies' offense and defense was mind-blowing to a group of guys struggling to find their place in Husky history. And the worst part about it all was that there was absolutely nothing the UW could do about it.

"Those guys were good," said wide receiver Reggie Williams, "and they were fast. I don't think we've seen a team that fast. But what can I say, they got some momentum and they took it to us."

USC was fast all right, fast enough to put up 565 yards of total offense. Fast enough to hold the UW to just 86 yards rushing. And fast enough to score 43 points on the Huskies, which is the most scored by either team in a USC-Washington game since 1931.

The Trojans were led by freshman phenom Reggie Bush, who scorched the UW for 83 yards rushing and 132 yards receiving. His two touchdowns were the result of -- you guessed it -- speed, speed and more speed.

Nobody had bad things to say about Bush at yesterday's press conference. Washington coach Keith Gilberston even likened him to one of the Huskies' all-time greats.

"When Reggie Bush is in the backfield," said Gilbertson, "he changes the whole pace of the game. I would say if he reminds me of anybody and how he speeds up the game it would be Napoleon (Kaufman).

"I don't know if you remember how Napoleon was, but it was like somebody plugged it in when he would come in the game. [Bush] has that same type of impact. He's a terrific talent."

The Huskies, although impressed with USC's style and flair, must try to forget about the Trojans in a hurry and focus their attention on Saturday's showdown with the beloved Oregon Ducks.

One player that's not dwelling too much on the USC game is Williams, surprisingly enough. But that didn't stop the Huskies' All-American from taking one last shot at the Trojans.

"[Bush] has got some serious speed," said Williams with a smile, "but I still don't think he could beat me in a race."