NFL
By George Lopez
The USC Trojans head to Pasadena this Saturday night to take on their crosstown rival UCLA Bruins in the annual battle for Los Angeles. With a victory, the Trojans would become bowl-eligible following their 28-20 win over Nebraska. The Bruins, coming off a 31-19 loss to Washington, will look to play spoiler to the Trojans bowl game aspirations.
Quarterback Jady Maiava, inserted into the starting quarterback position in the Trojans game against Nebraska, leads the offense. In his first start of the season, Maiava completed 25-35 passes for 259 with 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and 1 rushing touchdown. As the game progressed, Maiava got more comfortable running the Trojans offense. Maiava, as with Miller Moss, spread the ball around in the passing game, completing passes to 8 different receivers. Facing a Bruins defense that gives up an average of 27 points per game, Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley will look to put pressure on the Bruins defense and keep them off balance both through the air and with his running game.
In the passing game against Nebraska, Zachariah Branch and Woody Marks led the Trojans with 6 receptions each. Maiava deep connection was with WR Duce Robinson, who had 4 receptions for 90 yards. The Bruins’ pass defense has allowed an average of 245 yards per game in the air. Look for Maiava not to force things downfield and take what the Bruins defense gives him. Maiava will take shots downfield when the opportunity presents itself.
Woody Marks has had a good year leading the Trojans running game. On the season, Marks has rushed for 1024 yards with 9 touchdowns. Though Nebraska kept him out of the endzone, Marks rushed for 146 yards on 19 carries. Containing Marks will be a key for the Bruins defense. Coach Riley will look to get Marks and the Trojans running game established early in the game, which will open up the Trojans RPO schemes Riley can run with Maiava at quarterback.
Quarterback Ethan Garbers leads the Bruins offense. On the season, Garbers has passed for 2173 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Trojans will look to put pressure on Garbers as he has been sacked 26 times this season. Garbers isn’t a big threat to run the ball, averaging under 2 yards per rushing attempt. Look for the Trojans to bring pressure from the edge and prevent Garbers from escaping outside while the Trojans defensive line will look to collapse the pocket from the inside.
Garbers will spread the ball around, completing passes to 12 different receives this season. RB T. J. Harden has been the top receiver in the Bruins’ passing game with 35 receptions for 336 yards. TE Moliki Matavao will be a focus for the Trojans pass defense. On the season, Matavao has 31 receptions for 371 yards. WR Logan Loya leads the Bruins receivers with 26 receptions for 299 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Bruins will look to test the Trojans pass coverage as they have given up big plays throughout the season.
The Bruins will look to establish their running game against the Trojans. On the season, the Bruins average 85 yards rushing per game and will look to attack a Trojans defense that gives up an average of 132 rushing yards per game. RB T.J. Harden leads the Bruins with 384 rushing yards on the season. The Bruins will look to use 3 running backs in their running game with Jalen Berger and Keegan Jones expected to join Harden in the Bruins backfield. Look for Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to devise a scheme that will limit the Bruins running game. The Trojans defensive players will need to get off their blocks, maintain proper pursuit angles, and wrap up on their tackles.
The Trojans and Bruins have had a disappointing season in their BIG10 debuts. In this rivalry, stats are thrown out the window as both teams battle for the Victory Bell and bragging rights for Los Angeles. Look for the Trojans to become bowl-eligible with a hard-earned victory against their crosstown rivals.
Trojans. 31
Bruins. 21
