Southern California’s narrow escape at Washington provided the Trojans a sobering dose of reality.

“We can’t play like that the rest of the season, or else we’ll lose like a normal team,” USC coach Pete Carroll said after the sloppy 27-24 victory over the Huskies on Saturday night.

USC (4-0, 2-0 Pac-10) outgained (460-190) Washington in front of a loud and packed house at Husky Stadium, but three turnovers, a blocked punt and 16 penalties for 161 yards let the home team hang around.