Southern California (5-5, 3-5 Big Ten) at UCLA (4-6, 3-5), Saturday, 10:30 p.m. EST (NBC) BetMGM College Football Odds: USC by 4 1/2.
Series record: USC leads 52-34-7. The first year in the Big Ten has been disappointing for both the Trojans and Bruins, but city bragging rights, possession of the Victory Bell, and postseason aspirations make the crosstown showdown key to salvaging the season. USC was buoyed by its quarterback switch to redshirt sophomore Jayden Maiava in a 28-20 win over Nebraska, but with No.
6 Notre Dame on deck next week, this feels like the best chance to become bowl eligible. UCLA had its three-game winning streak end in a 31-19 loss at Washington last week. USC RB Woody Marks vs.
UCLA’s run defense. Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards against a strong Cornhuskers defense, giving him his first 1,000-yard season as a fifth-year senior. The stout Bruins’ front, which ranks seventh in the FBS at stopping the run, represents an even tougher challenge.
They shut down Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, holding him to 49 yards on Nov. 8. USC: Maiava shook off a poor start, including a pick-six, to throw for 259 yards and three touchdowns and rush for another score against Nebraska.
Maiava showed a greater willingness to attack down the field as a passer, and his mobility to extend plays opened up some of the big shots that had been lacking under former starter Miller Moss. UCLA: QB Ethan Garbers put up decent statistics versus the Huskies, passing for 267 yards an.
