Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. USC Trojans 2018

Prediction

Injuries and mistakes have limited both teams in recent weeks. Injuries will always be a part of the game and having depth will help, but both seem to be dipping deep into the depth chart at certain position groups.

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With this in mind, both coaches have to take advantage of matchups. Helton should pass to the middle of the field on offense and suffocate UCLA’s passing on defense.

For Kelly, he needs to run right at the Trojans’ front seven on offense and send blitz after blitz on defense. With both teams suffering and limping into this game, something has got to give.

But that all depends on mistakes, which have been plentiful for both teams. Dropped balls, bad snaps, blown assignments, missed tackles, penalties… I could go on, I just don’t want to as its too painful. This game could come down to who is more disciplined and commits a lesser amount of mistakes. It is not about talent, it is about control.

But also remember, this is a rivalry game where anything can happen. Emotions will be higher, the focus will be sharper, hits will be harder, celebrations will be louder… even though many expect a sloppy game, this could also have the makings of an instant classic… if they don’t trip over each other.

Prediction: UCLA 21 – USC 17