It’s a win-and-you’re-in game for the Pac-12 South and a spot in the conference championship.
The USC Offense: QB Matt Barkley isn’t the Heisman candidate he was in September, and he has far more INTs this season (13) than he should, but he’s still a dangerous player with a completion percentage of 64.8% and a lot of weapons around him. UCLA becomes the latest team to try (key word) to stop WR tandem Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, who have combined for a ridiculous 2,100 receiving yards and 23 TDs. On the ground, Penn State transfer Silas Redd has emerged as the top threat with 732 rushing yards and 9 TDs on the season; backfield mate Curtis McNeal has just 2 TDs but 497 yards.
credit: TheDailySportsHerald via photopin cc
The USC Defense: Unfortunately for the Trojans, they’re facing yet another mobile quarterback this week. Redshirt freshman Brett Hundley is the Bruins’ second-leading rusher (although he trails leader Johnathan Franklin by roughly 1,000 yards). The Trojans’ run defense is stout and should be able to contain Franklin (1,270 yards, 8 TDs) to a point. They’re averaging 3.7 sacks per game, so one would think they’ll be able to pressure a redshirt freshman QB fairly successfully. A big part of the game will be how well a somewhat inexperienced UCLA offensive line holds up against USC’s defensive line, as well as whether an often-penalized USC team can show discipline and avoid penalties in an emotional rivalry game.
The UCLA Offense: The Bruins’ offense is divided fairly evenly between the run and the pass. Senior running back Johnathan Franklin averages 127 yards per game, and quarterback Brett Hundley can pick up yards with his feet when necessary. Hundley has also shown good accuracy and decision-making skills for a young quarterback. Shaquelle Evans leads the team with 571 receiving yards, but just two touchdowns; tight end Joseph Fauria is the big red-zone target, with 417 yards and 9 touchdowns. The line will be facing a good defensive front and will have to be able to hold their blocks for the Bruins to have success on Saturday.
The UCLA Defense: The biggest test for the Bruins’ defence is going to be how well their defensive backs can cover- and tackle- Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. The front seven should be able to get pressure on Matt Barkley, particularly LB Anthony Barr. Barr is tied for fourth in the country with 11 sacks. UCLA has 25 takeaways on the season, so turnovers- of which USC has committed 26- could be key.
Prediction: Former Colts and Saints coach Jim Mora has UCLA playing well and creating turnovers. In an emotional rivalry game, I don’t trust USC to keep their cool and avoid penalties, and I think Matt Barkley will throw at least one big interception, turning the game in the Bruins favour. UCLA 28, USC 20.
Don’t forget to tune in to College Football Warmup on Last Word Radio every Saturday Morning at 9am. If you miss the show, don’t fret, you can access our archives or find us on iTunes (search for “Last Word Radio”).
You can also check out our Last Word Forums to comment on college football or any other sport.
