L.A.'s two most prominent college football programs clash for the 82nd time Saturday, as the USC Trojans pay a visit to the Rose Bowl to face the rival UCLA Bruins. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m., with television coverage on ABC.
How to watch USC vs. UCLA: Game guide, TV schedule, online streaming and more
A rivalry so big that it doesn’t need a nickname is renewed Saturday night. Here’s how to see it.
USC has waded through an uneven season in Steve Sarkisian’s first season at the helm. An early victory over Stanford put the Trojans in the national title discussion, but losses to Boston College, Arizona State and Utah have taken USC back out of the picture. Nevertheless, the Trojans could claim at least a share of the Pac-12 South title with a win Saturday, and would be riding a three-game win streak headed into their annual meeting with Notre Dame.
UCLA has likewise fought inconsistency. A two-game October losing skid marked the only blemishes on the Bruins’ record, but close calls against mid-major Memphis and Pac-12 also-rans Cal and Colorado hardly instilled confidence.
Nevertheless, a four-game winning streak has vaulted the Bruins back into the national top 10 and, like USC, they could stay in the hunt for a Pac-12 title with a win Saturday. Quarerback Brett Hundley's Heisman Trophy candidacy might have died early, but he has still managed more than 2,500 passing yards with two games left to play.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Online streaming: ABC Live (not available in all markets)
The numbers
Rankings and records: UCLA enters Saturday ranked No. 9 and holding an 8-2 (5-2) record. The Bruins are a half-game behind USC (7-3 (6-2)) in the Pac-12 South standings. The Trojans are currently ranked No. 19.
Vegas: UCLA is a 4.5-point favorite, reflecting their home field advantage and little more. Over/under is set at 61, per OddsShark.
Weather forecast: Skies should be clear throughout Saturday in Los Angeles, with gametime temperatures near 60 degrees.
Two things at stake
For starters, there’s domination over Los Angeles football for the next twelve months. UCLA coach Jim Mora is attempting to become the first Bruins head coach to win his first three USC games since Bob Toledo did it from 1996-1998. Not coincidentally, that was the last time UCLA won three in a row against the Trojans.
As if bragging rights weren’t enough, both USC and UCLA have a chance at a Pac-12 Championship Game berth with a win. If USC emerges victorious, the Trojans would be in the clubhouse at 7-2 in the conference with a head-to-head win over Arizona. In that scenario, the Trojans’ title game hopes would be pinned on the Wildcats’ finale against Arizona State; an Arizona win would send USC up against Oregon.
UCLA’s title scenario is more clear-cut: Win Saturday and against Stanford on Black Friday, and the Bruins are in the title game. A loss would eliminate UCLA from championship contention.
One big matchup
Brett Hundley vs. the USC defense: The Trojans have relied largely on their defense this season, and with good reason: USC ranks second in the Pac-12 in scoring defense and rushing yards allowed, third in pass efficiency defense, and fourth in total defense. On top of that, the Trojans’ secondary has serious ballhawk bona fides, with their eleven interceptions leading the conference to date.
While UCLA doesn’t have the same aerial assault as Cal or Washington State, Hundley has nevertheless established himself as one of the conference’s best passing quarterbacks, with a 72 percent completion percentage and 17 touchdown passes against just 4 interceptions. There are few weaknesses in either team here, but this is a true case of strength versus strength.
Further reading
Conquest Chronicles has all things USC, while Bruins Nation covers UCLA.
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