Go Joe Bruin
Fansided

UCLA Football: UCLA vs. USC Early Analysis

By Ashley Tellier

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage during an NCAA football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage during an NCAA football game between the UCLA Bruins and the Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws as he is pressured by UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) in the first half during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws as he is pressured by UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) in the first half during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Key Players

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster I don’t mind giving credit where credit is due. Junior wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will be starting for the Trojans, and he will shine alright. This USC wideout has first round pick talent and could be the best wide receiver in college football this coming season.

Last year Smith-Schuster almost topped 1,500 receiving yards in 89 catches. He also had 10 touchdowns and 4 kickoff returns totaling 51 yards. Smith-Schuster has long arms and large hands along with incredible athleticism. The Bruins’ defensive backfield better be ready for this receiver or they will be in big trouble.

CB Adoree’ Jackson

If you’re not familiar with the name Adoree’ Jackson then you haven’t been paying attention. Jackson will be starting in his third year at USC as a three-way weapon. The junior, who is a cornerback, has also seen action at wide receiver and returner.

More from UCLA Bruins Football

Jackson is sort of like UCLA’s own Myles Jack, but yet, not quite. Still, offenses fear this Trojan enough to avoid the side of the field the corner is on. However, UCLA’s starting quarterback Josh Rosen and (recently transitioned to) wide receiver Ishmael Adams seem like the right duo to test Jackson’s dominance in the back field.

OT Zach Banner Although USC’s QB position is not as solid as it was at the beginning of last year’s season, the named starter, Max Browne, can sleep better at night knowing Zach Banner will be part of his line. Banner, who stands tall at 6’9’’ and 360 lbs., usually plays on the right side.

His performance last year was impressive enough to make the All-Pac-12 first team and win him the USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. Yet, this big lineman has a baby face and likes to do little things. He is almost a likeable Trojan.

Stats

  • USC leads the series 45-31-7.
  • The largest winning streak belongs to UCLA when the Bruins defeated the Trojans 8 years in a row between 1991 and 1998.
  • USC scored 92 points off turnovers last season.

Next: Offenses vs. Defenses