As the UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans gear up for their annual clash at the Rose Bowl on November 23, both teams enter the matchup with nearly identical records. The stakes are high, with bowl eligibility hanging in the balance and pride on the line for both programs in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
USC Trojans And UCLA Bruins Season Overview
The Bruins, under head coach Deshaun Foster, have endured a season of ups and downs.
A 16-13 victory over Hawai’i to open the season hinted at potential, but losses to Indiana, LSU, and Oregon tempered expectations. Despite the adversity, UCLA has shown resilience in recent weeks, securing consecutive victories against Rutgers, Nebraska, and Iowa. These wins have reinvigorated the team, despite last week’s loss to Washington, giving them some momentum heading into the USC game.
Meanwhile, USC’s season has also been turbulent. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have delivered some standout performances, including a hard-fought win over Nebraska. However, the team has struggled to close out games against stronger competition, highlighted by losses to Penn State in overtime and a narrow defeat to Washington.
The Trojans’ inconsistency has been a recurring theme, leaving them desperate for a statement win to salvage their season.
Offensive Comparison
Passing Game
USC began the season with Miller Moss at quarterback, who put up 2,555 yards and 18 touchdowns over eight games. However, a series of inconsistent performances led to a change under center last week, as the Trojans turned to sophomore Jayden Maiava.
In his debut, Maiava completed 25 of 35 passes for 259 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, leading USC to a close victory over Nebraska. He also rushed for one touchdown. While it’s still early, Maiava provided a spark for a Trojans offense that was in need of a reset.
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UCLA’s quarterback, Ethan Garbers, has also shown flashes of brilliance but has been less consistent. Garbers has thrown for 2,173 yards and 14 touchdowns but has also struggled with turnovers, throwing 11 interceptions. His 64.3% completion rate mirrors Moss’s efficiency, but the Bruins’ passing game has lacked the explosive edge seen in the USC Trojans attack.
Rushing Attack
The ground game highlights a significant disparity between the two teams. USC’s Woody Marks has been a workhorse, rushing for 1,024 yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and find open lanes has been critical for the Trojans, particularly in games where the passing attack has faltered.
In contrast, UCLA’s rushing offense has struggled to find its rhythm. T.J. Harden leads the Bruins with 384 yards and just one touchdown, averaging a modest 3.6 yards per carry. Without a dominant rushing threat, UCLA has relied more heavily on its passing game, making it one-dimensional at times.
Receiving Corps
In the receiving department, USC’s Makai Lemon leads the way with 463 yards and three touchdowns. The depth of their receiving corps, which includes reliable contributors like Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson, adds another layer of complexity for opposing defenses.
For UCLA, Moliki Matavao has been a key target, accumulating 371 yards and one touchdown. The UCLA RBs have been heavily involved in the passing game, as Harden and Keegan Jones have over 500 receiving yards combined.
While the Bruins’ receiving numbers are respectable, they lack the game-breaking ability of USC’s playmakers, which could be a deciding factor.
Defensive Comparison
Defensively, the Bruins have leaned heavily on linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who leads the team with 109 tackles and has also contributed two interceptions. Schwesinger’s ability to make impactful stops has been vital for a UCLA defense that has improved as the season progressed. Defensively they’ve been great against the run, but average against the pass.
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On the other side, USC’s defense is anchored by Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, who has racked up 81 tackles and two interceptions of his own. While Mascarenas-Arnold has been a standout, USC’s defense as a whole has struggled with consistency, often giving up big plays in crucial moments.
Key Factors Ahead Of The Matchup
This game will likely come down to which team can impose its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses.
The USC Trojans potent offense, balanced between the air and ground, presents a significant challenge for UCLA’s defense.
The UCLA Bruins offense which has been boom or bust this season will have to show up in front of a rowdy crowd at the Rose Bowl.
If Maiava and Woody Marks can replicate their season-long success, the Trojans will have a clear path to victory.
For both teams, the stakes are immense. Beyond bowl eligibility, this game represents a chance to end the regular season on a high note and claim bragging rights in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. With so much on the line, expect a hard-fought battle that will likely come down to the wire.