By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor It was just four weeks into the 2016 season that restless USC fans wanted coach Clay Helton fired. The Trojans were 1-3 and headed into the heart of their Pacific-12 South Division schedule. Things have certainly changed for the better. USC (7-3 overall, 6-2 in conference) has now won six […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
It was just four weeks into the 2016 season that restless USC fans wanted coach Clay Helton fired.
The Trojans were 1-3 and headed into the heart of their Pacific-12 South Division schedule.
Things have certainly changed for the better.
USC (7-3 overall, 6-2 in conference) has now won six consecutive games, including victories over first place teams in both the south and north divisions of the Pac-12 conference.
The Trojans defeated Colorado, 21-17, five weeks ago, but it was last week’s 26-13 stunner at Washington that had people talking.
The undefeated Huskies were ranked No. 4 in the nation and looking at a spot in the national playoff semifinals.
USC quarterback Sam Darnold, a red-shirt freshman, took over in the fourth week, and the Trojans have benefited from his steady play.
Darnold has thrown for over 2,000 yards, which includes 22 TD passes and just six interceptions.
UCLA (4-6, 2-4) is coming in as a 14-point underdog and has lost four of their last five games.
The Bruins two conference victories come over Oregon State and Arizona, both of which are a miserable 2-8 this season.
Jim Mora has led UCLA to three wins in the last four years, but the Bruins lost last season’s grudge match and enter this weekend’s game less than healthy.
Josh Rosen, who was once seen as the premiere college quarterback in Los Angeles has had a season to forget.
Rosen had thrown 10 touchdown passes and five picks before a season-ending injury at Arizona State.
Mike Fafaul has struggled in Rosen’s absence.
Fafual has been picked 10 times and thrown 9 TD passes.
As always, though, both the Bruins and Trojans know you can throw the records out as both schools always seem to rise to the occasion in one of the nation’s most fierce rivalries.
What’s on the line?
For USC: The Trojans are just one-half game back of Pac-12 South leader Colorado for first place and a spot in the Pac-12 championship game. USC already beat the Buffaloes and would get the tiebreaker if they finish the regular season tied.
For UCLA: The Bruins, despite all its setbacks this season, could still be bowl eligible with wins over USC and a season-ending victory next week at Cal. They must be at the .500 mark to even be considered for a bowl game.
