Game Information
Location: Rose Bowl / Pasadena, CA
Time: 7:30 p.m PST
TV: NBC
Radio: ESPN 710 (Los Angeles), KSZL AM 1230 (Barstow, Calif.), KGU-FM 95.1/ AM 760 (Honolulu, Hawaii), KSHP AM 1400 / FM 107.1 (Las Vegas, Nev.), KJJZ-HD3 102.7 FM (Thousand Palms, Calif.)
Line / Total: USC -5 / u50.5
Weather: 62 degrees, 50% Precipitation
Injuries
USC: QUESTIONABLE: CB Jacobe Covington (undisclosed), DE Braylan Shelby (undisclosed)
UCLA: N/A
Stats to Know
USC's all-time record is 50-34-7 vs. UCLA
UCLA defeated USC 38-20 at the Coliseum in 2023.
What's at Stake: Pride and the Victory Bell
A historic college rivalry adds another chapter Saturday in the 94th meeting of UCLA-USC. The game defies the team’s record with pride and year-long bragging rights on the line—the trophy: a Victory Bell.
The Bruin blue covers the infamous Victory Bell heading into Saturday's matchup. UCLA got the best of USC in a 38-20 route of the Trojans at the Coliseum last year.
While the Victory bell headed to Westwood, a handful of Bruins traveled south to USC. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, accompanied by defensive backs John Humphrey, Kamari Ramsey, and tight end Kyle Ford — played with USC 2020-22 — joined the Trojans.
In 2024, both programs hit large road bumps in their first season as Big Ten Members. USC (5-5, 3-5 Big Ten) is winless in four conference road games, with a trip to Rose Bowl being thier final chance. In addition, the Trojans shifted to Jayden Maiava as their starting quarterback last Saturday versus Nebraska.
Conversely, UCLA (4-6, 3-5), under first-year coach Deshaun Foster—who played at UCLA from 1998 to 2001—opened conference play 0-4. The Bruins have surged recently, winning three of their last four.
But the records fly out the window when the Trojan and Bruin take the field Saturday night. The Cardinal and Blue clash for three hours to get their right to the Victory Bell.
UCLA Bruins Scouting Report: New Times in Westwood
The loss of D'Anton Lynn to USC has set back what UCLA had built during the 2023 season. A year later, the UCLA Bruins' defense is back at the bottom of the nation. The Bruins allow 27 points per contest, ranking 83rd in the country.
Beyond limiting opponents' scores, Lynn thrived at scheming the right plays on third down. Under his tutelage at UCLA, the opponent's third-down rate was 35 percent. In 2024, opponents have a 51 percent conversion rate versus UCLA.
However, talent still lies in the UCLA linebacker room. The trio of Carson Shwesinger, Kain Medrano, and Femi Oladejo is the heartbeat of the Bruins' defense. Schwesinger leads the Big Ten in tackles with 109 total, and Oladejo's 3.5 sacks leads the team.
Offensively, the regression has taken place, too. The Bruins have struggled to find a true number-one receiver for quarterback Ethan Garbers. Running back TJ Harden leads the team in receptions with 35 while rushing for 384 yards and one touchdown.
The Bruins' lack of offensive talent has them averaging 18 points per game, which ranks 125th in the nation.
Yet, Ethan Garbers has the Bruins playing better football lately. In the last four games, Garbers had 10 touchdowns to 2 interceptions. UCLA is averaging 25 points in the four-game span.
Garbers had USC number last year, throwing for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Matchup to Watch: UCLA TE Moliki Matavao vs. USC S Kamari Ramsey
Matavao is having a career year with the Bruin and, in the process, has become Ethan Garbers’ favorite target. In his second season with UCLA, he leads the team in yards per catch (12.0) and receiving yards (371).
Bruins offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy runs a spread offense, with Garbers predominantly taking snaps out of the shotgun. Beinemy moves Matavao around frequently, lining him up in the slot or outside.
USC safety Kamari Ramsey is the best man for the job. Ramsey, previously at UCLA, is the Trojans strongest open fielder tackler. He ranks 2nd on USC with six tackles for loss.
Setting the tone early is essential for both programs in a high-stakes matchup. USC will lean on Ramsey's hard hits to get the Trojans amped for battle and establish a tone.
Prediction
USC heads into the matchup versus UCLA with a more talented roster. However, talent has not always meant a better result in this almost century-long rivalry. UCLA's John Barnes's 1992 performance proves those accounts right. However, UCLA's defensive struggles in 2024 will be too much to overcome.
The Trojans' rejuvenated offense with Maiava should allow USC to find success in multiple ways. Running back Woody Marks has been consistent all season, reaching 1,024 yards vs Nebraska. Marks and the Trojans offensive line will set the tone early in the trenches. With a kickstart from Marks, the air attack will open for Maiava and USC pass catchers.
UCLA's offensive success lately has been promising. However, the Bruins's offense will struggle to keep up with USC.
USC 27 UCLA 20