UCLA (3-8 overall, 3-5 Big Ten) at No. 19 USC (8-3, 6-2)
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV/radio: NBC/ESPN LA 710
Line: USC by 22 points
NOTABLE INJURIES
USC: OUT: RB Eli Sanders (knee), CB Caden Johnson (knee) QUESTIONABLE: S Bishop Fitzgerald (undisclosed), RB Waymond Jordan (ankle), WR DJ Jordan (undisclosed), K Caden Chittenden (undisclosed), CB Prophet Brown (undisclosed), LB Anthony Beavers, Jr. (undisclosed), DL Jamaal Jarrett (undisclosed), OL Elijah Paige (undisclosed), S Kamari Ramsey (undisclosed)
UCLA: OUT: DB Rodrick Pleasant (season-ending shoulder surgery); QUESTIONABLE: QB Nico Iamaleava (neck spasms), TE Hudson Habermehl (concussion protocol), TE Jack Pedersen (high-ankle sprain), WR Rico Flores Jr. (calf)
What’s at stake for USC? The Trojans can relax a little now that the pressure of making the College Football Playoff is gone and Oregon is behind them. This game is a virtual lock for USC, and a strong performance will get them a desirable bowl game — right now, they’re projected to compete in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30. The rivalry game also draws a lot of recruits. Looking good in this game and creating a fun, winning atmosphere could go a long way in retaining the 2026 class and potential future commits. — Sawyer
What’s at stake for UCLA? Think about what the days after Saturday look like for the Bruins. UCLA has a coaching staff full of assistants – along with interim coach Tim Skipper – who will, in all likelihood, end their, in many cases, one-year runs in Westwood. The Bruins have won the last two games at the Coliseum – and that must be worth something, regardless of how good or bad UCLA and USC are. If Skipper properly instilled the rivalry’s importance into his players, then pride is truly at stake, a miraculous fourth win turning mediocrity into a temporary celebration. — Royer
Who’s better? USC. Even though injuries have affected the running back, offensive line, and safety rooms, the Trojans are the more talented and battle-tested team. The Bruins are allowing 386.9 yards of total offense a game. The Trojans are averaging 301 yards per game in their passing game alone. Expect the usual offensive superstars to shine, but be ready for a trick play or an unlikely hero to emerge. — Sawyer
USC matchup to watch: The Trojans’ run defense vs. the UCLA rushing attack. USC has had an up-and-down season as a collective defense, particularly against the run. This game is low-hanging fruit for the defensive line as well as the linebacking corps to show that they understand how to communicate and execute. — Sawyer
UCLA matchup to watch: Whichever quarterback takes on the USC secondary. If Nico Iamaleava is healthy and ready to go against the Trojans, then he must attack the Trojans’ 90th-best pass efficiency defense with a far more accurate performance than he showcased against Washington a week ago. Either way, offensive playcaller Jerry Neuheisel knows what D’Anton Lynn is offering at USC defensive coordinator – whether from his year in Westwood or last year across town – and if it’s Iamaleava or backup quarterback Luke Duncan behind center, the Bruins should be at the ready. Quarterback play could decide this game early. — Royer
USC wins if: The Trojans will need to avoid penalties and play a complete game to end the regular season on a high note. Multiple discipline-related penalties hurt them in Oregon and made them look downright unprofessional. A highly polished game will help them get a win on the scoreboard, and also confirm that this season was a successful one. — Sawyer
UCLA wins if: The Bruins prove they have more to play for than the Trojans. UCLA offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio preached the “want” of winning during an interview with the Southern California News Group earlier this week – a trait that he believed sparked the Bruins’ three-game winning streak. In a game where USC is now squarely outside College Football Playoff positioning, is there a better time to prove that UCLA wants a rivalry-week victory, adjoined with the Victory Bell more? I don’t think so. — Royer
Sawyer prediction: USC 45, UCLA 21. Kicker Ryon Sayeri gets one step closer to a record-breaking season and the Trojans close out the season with optimism.
Royer prediction: USC 41, UCLA 28. Want only goes so far when true talent level is also on the table. The Bruins will provide the Trojans with a halftime scare and lead at the break. But when push comes to shove, the Victory Bell will remain red another year.