2023-11-18 19:11:51
Bragging rights in Los Angeles and possession of the Victory Bell will be little consolation for the winner between the Bruins and Trojans following promising seasons have fallen apart.
The teams are set to face each other at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the sold out game.
UCLA suffered a 17-7 home loss to Arizona State raising questions regarding the likelihood of UCLA coach Chip Kelly getting a seventh season in charge, according to the Associated Press.
The firing of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch wasn’t enough to keep USC in the Pac-12 title race, with those hopes ending in a spirited but frustrating 36-27 defeat at No. 6 Oregon.
KEY MATCHUP
UCLA QB Ethan Garbers vs. USC’s secondary. Garbers looks to be on track to start following sitting once morest the Sun Devils because of an injury he sustained at Arizona on Nov. 4. Without him, the Bruins might not generate consistent success through the air and allowed Arizona State to sell out to stop the run at critical moments in the red zone. The Trojans gave up touchdown passes of 77 and 83 yards as the Ducks gained 412 yards through the air, so there should be chances for a healthy Garbers to get the passing game back on track.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCLA: DE Laiatu Latu. Tied for second in the FBS with 18 1/2 tackles for loss following picking up another 2 1/2 once morest the Sun Devils, Latu has been one of the key components in the Bruins’ defensive turnaround. He had 1 1/2 sacks in the crosstown showdown last season.
USC: QB Caleb Williams. This hasn’t been the season Williams wanted in the win column, but he has been exceptional in trying to prop up a flawed team. Williams’ 29 touchdown passes are tied for second in the FBS, and he has added another 11 rushing scores. His remarkable ability to extend plays will be tested by the fierce UCLA pass rush in what might be Williams’ home finale.
FACTS & FIGURES
UCLA RB Carson Steele was held to 33 yards on 11 carries once morest Arizona State, his second straight game with fewer than 40 yards rushing. The Ball State transfer had generated at least 75 yards in seven of his first eight outings, including consecutive 100-yard games once morest Washington State and Oregon State. … The Trojans’ thrilling 48-45 win over the Bruins last season was the 11th time in the past 12 meetings where the victorious team scored at least 34 points. … USC RB MarShawn Lloyd has scored in each of the past six games he has played in. He missed the loss to No. 5 Washington because of an injury. … UCLA has scored one touchdown of 25 yards or longer in Pac-12 play. The Bruins had eight such plays in three non-conference games. … USC WR Brenden Rice has 11 touchdown receptions, which is tied with Troy Franklin of Oregon for most in the Pac-12.
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