The guys from Dawgman.com - Kim Grinolds, Chris Fetters, and Scott Eklund - did not hit the snooze bar early this morning. In fact, it was just the opposite. They got up with the roosters because today's game between USC and Washington couldn't be more important for the Huskies.

And that's a strange feeling for a game that historically would have so much more going for it. But this is the first time since 1998 that neither the Trojans or Huskies are ranked going into this game. But it's always an important game when UW and USC get together, and Washington's push to get to bowl eligibility is arguably the biggest reason why it's so important this season.

Hopefully the USC fans traveling up from California brought their rain ponchos with them, because today's forecast is for rain and then some more rain. How is that going to affect the away team? And then the guys go into some of the reasons they think - from afar - the Trojans are struggling under Lincoln Riley.

Then there's some injury talk on both sides, but specifically about Jedd Fisch announcing Thursday that EDGE Zach Durfee and TE Quentin Moore won't be ready to go today. With Durfee being out, how is Washington going to generate a pass rush that frankly has been anemic their last two games?

After a quick break the guys go into some of the game matchups and key players, starting first with USC's offense versus Washington's defense, and then they flip it. And then there's the ever-crucial special teams aspect, one that has not been good for Washington all season long. If it comes down to a made kick or a big return to get an edge in a tightly contested game in bad weather? That edge doesn't feel like it's going to go the way of the home team, if history is a guide.

The guys also revisit the debate about Demond Williams. Could UW fans see Demond starting a game before the end of the season? Scott offers a compelling argument in favor of this. Scott also drills down with a complete recruiting update, with a focus on all the prospects from the 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes that are expected on Montlake today.

The pregame show wraps up with the guys' final thoughts on the game, as well as some quick UW Hoops updates. The Washington men start their season Tuesday against UC Davis, and on Friday it was announced that Kelsey Plum's No. 10 jersey will be officially retired in a ceremony on January 18th when the UW women host Purdue.

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