New USC, UCLA Quarterbacks Are In The Spotlight

USC takes a six-game winning streak into the 86th crosstown showdown for the Victory Bell, while UCLA needs to finish a disappointing season with back-to-back wins to ensure bowl eligibility.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

“It’s good to get a win“, said Bruins coach Jim Mora.

For the average UCLA fan, this must be the least anticipated rivalry game for the past several seasons. That theme continued, as West Virginia twice coughed up the ball inside the Sooners’ 5-yard line and committed a number of personal fouls, which, coupled with big plays from Oklahoma’s 4-headed monster of Baker Mayfield, Samaje Perine, Joe Mixon and Dede Westbrook, aided the Sooners to a 34-7 halftime lead.

The Trojans have a plethora of receivers to fill in should he have an extended absence, but none are as impact as JuJu.

USC has a hot quarterback and a six-game winning streak. USC’s road victory last week over then-No. Darnold has replaced him as the L.A. star. Three USC tail backs are doing more than their share to make that happen. The scoring drive covered 65 yards in four plays and took 1:38. Instead, the Bruins speedy wideout broke free and scampered 56 yards to the end zone.

Sam Darnold has been spreading the ball around pretty nicely to his talented wide outs since taking over. Prior to his departure, he hauled in four catches for 51 yards.

USC players and coaches will have down time Saturday thanks to a late start. The spread, via Vegas Insider, has the Trojans favored as well. This means Mike Fafaul will step in for the fifth consecutive game. UCLA ran for 163 yards against Oregon State, their second-highest total of the year.

UCLA offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu waited almost the entire season to reach into his bag of tricks, but when he did, he pulled out some fireworks.

The Bruin defense has been consistent all season, led by senior defensive end Takkarist McKinley.

UCLA’s offense under Kennedy Polamalu had six straight punts and a turnover on downs after the second Jordan Lasley touchdown in the first quarter.

“They’re really good running the football”, Mora said. Expect UCLA to keep the game tight in the early going before the defense starts to tire. UCLA is 25th in the country against the pass, yielding to only 195.8 yards per contest. They haven’t won the conference or reached the Rose Bowl since. The Trojans are a half-game behind Colorado and hold a head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Under is 6-0 in the Trojans last 6 games overall. 4 Washington last week.

The Under is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings. Join The Roar from 2:30pm AEDT for live blog coverage as the Bruins and Trojans square off in the Battle of Los Angeles. “Not my style”, Helton said.

It’s pretty obvious that USC is the stronger more well rounded team in this match-up. “A special night and a special quarterback”. He became enamored with the close-to-home school’s swagger, and he eagerly committed to USC even with Cody Kessler, Browne and touted recruit Ricky Town blocking his path to playing time.

FAMILIAR FACES: The players’ familiarity leads to subtle adjustments in this rivalry game, particularly when friends like Andrews and Hawkins face off.