[tps_title]UCLA at USC[/tps_title]
[tps_header]1:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2[/tps_header]
UCLA (8-3, 5-3) AT
USC (7-4, 5-3)
1:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2
Pointspread: USC favored by 3
— The line has remained about the same all week, although the Trojans opened as 3.5-point favorites.
— UCLA’s rush defense will have to deliver its best performance against USC. After being gutted early in conference play following injuries to defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes and linebacker Myles Jack, the Bruins made signs of progress in the 17-9 win at then-No. 18 Utah last week. The Utes rushed for 197 yards on 49 carries, with backup running back Joe Williams accounting for 121 yards in place of injured star Devontae Booker. However, UCLA was able to tighten up and hold Utah without a touchdown for the first time since 2013.
— USC has reinvented itself as a power running team under interim coach Clay Helton, averaging 40 carries for 165.8 yards in the six games since he replaced Steve Sarkisian. Justin Davis had a career-high 141 yards rushing in last week’s 48-28 loss at then-No. 23 Oregon, and explosive freshman Ronald Jones II can score any time he touches the ball.
— While UCLA needs to be at its best against the rush, USC needs to be better defensively overall than it was against Oregon last week. The Trojans were ripped for 578 yards and 407 passing, both season highs, and Oregon’s Vernon Adams went 20 of 25 with six touchdowns. Royce Freeman rushed for 147 yards on 20 carries. USC’s Cody Kessler went 30 of 41 for 238 yards, two scores and no interceptions, but was sacked five times.
UCLA is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UCLA’s last 5 games
UCLA is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
UCLA is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Southern Cal is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Southern Cal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Southern Cal is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Southern Cal is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing UCLA
My pick: UCLA will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: USC will win and cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: UCLA will win and cover
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