It’s that time of the year again when the UCLA Football team play not just for a victory but for the rights to a city.
This season hasn’t been kind to the UCLA Football program. They’ve lost a number of close games and also lost stud QB Josh Rosen with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder during the Arizona State game. That has forced former walk-on backup Mike Fafaul to the forefront with mixed results. They also now sit on the edge of bowl elimination as they need to win out to be eligible.
Across town, a QB change seems by have jumpstarted the Trojan offense. Alabama put a beating on the Trojans to start the season. In fact the boys across town struggled in their first month of the season as they dropped to a 1-3 record before October. Their only win during that stretch was against Utah State.
Enter redshirt freshman QB Sam Darnold who lost a close Fall battle with senior Max Browne. Although Browne didn’t play exceptionally poorly, the team needed a spark and that was provided by the athletic, mobile and strong armed youngster.
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With Darnold leading the Trojans, USC has looked almost unstoppable on offense and have swept through the PAC-12 schedule with ease including a victory over the southern division leading Colorado Buffaloes.
This game is a tale of two teams on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. On one hand USC is playing for a potential shot at the PAC-12 championship game against a Washington team they’ve already beaten. On the other this UCLA team is fighting purely for pride and potential bowl survival.
Which is the stronger motivator, pride or glory?