The team's new head coach was Paul Wulff and home games were played on campus at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington.

The media joked before the game that it was the "Crapple Cup" and "full of worms", because the Huskies (0–10 at the time) also had a very poor season.

[1] Oklahoma State Cowboys spoiled new Cougars coach Paul Wulff's debut.

Cowboys' Kendall Hunter had a career-best two touchdowns, quarterback Zac Robinson passed for 182 yards and ran for another score.

Mark Sanchez became the first USC quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a half as the Trojans dominated.

"Our guys had a ball playing football today, from the locker room on out", USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Our intention was to come out and play a great football game", star linebacker Rey Maualuga said.