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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs USC Trojans

By Michael Chavez

Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first half of a NCAA football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Porter Gustin (45) celebrates after sacking Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Porter Gustin (45) celebrates after sacking Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Analysis

This game is a match up nightmare across the board for the Bruins. They have been unable to generate consistent, productive drives and a lot of that falls on the offensive line. Against Oregon State last week, UCLA was able to find success on the ground. This is a completely different animal. If they can’t find ways to protect Fafaul or generate a run game, it’s going to be a long day for the UCLA defense.

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If the Bruins were going to try and find the one weakness this USC defense may have it is they will give up some yards to running QB’s. Utah was able to move the ball that way with Troy Williams and when Washington went to the wildcat a few times they also had some success.

The Bruins have a QB capable of running in true freshman Devon Modster. They would have to burn his redshirt but if Rosen leaves after next year you’d want your potential new starting QB to have some experience. He also gives this team the best chance to surprise USC and is a decent passer so you don’t throw the passing game out the window.

This UCLA defense has proven over this season they’re the force keeping the Bruins in many games and that will be the story here as well. They have the talented secondary to keep pace with the Trojan receivers and the front seven to make the run game tough if they can get this whole unit to show up. The major key will be getting to Darnold and getting sacks or forcing interceptions. Takkarist McKinley has been on a tear lately and needs to have another big game.

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Prediction

Even if the Bruins start Modster, even if they force some turnovers and play stout defensively all game long this will be an uphill battle. The Bruins also need to keep the ball away from Jackson in the return game as there will be no margin for error and cheap points. It is never easy to pick against the Bruins and it’s especially tough to pick USC but I have a had time believing the Bruins can relive the magic of 2006. 28-14 USC.