The UCLA and USC Football Rivalry explained

UCLA and USC are trying to advance to a bowl game despite not having the seasons they expected. A victory in this matchup for either team would undoubtedly bring, at minimum, a brief wave of excitement to the fanbase of whichever school comes out on top.

The intensity and history of the rivalry between USC and UCLA doesn't need to be debated; there is no embellishment or exaggeration of the level of passion involved in this rivalry. Situated in Los Angeles, California, the two schools are roughly ten miles apart, showcasing the vibrant educational landscape of the city anchored by these highly regarded universities.

The annual clash between the two institutions is a highly anticipated event on the college football calendar, drawing excitement from fans nationwide, particularly those who reside in California and along the West Coast. This rivalry will continue for future years as both teams now play in the Big Ten conference. Both teams are among the multiple fierce in-state rivals in the Big Ten, ensuring they face off against each other every season as they are protected rivals.

The rivalry boasts passionate supporters from both fan bases, who often gather for hours before the game, setting the stage for an electrifying atmosphere. With a legacy of churning out some of the top overall players and, specifically, wide receivers in college football history, this matchup is often celebrated for its explosive, high-scoring offenses.

This rivalry deserves recognition for many reasons; it stands out as one of the most exhilarating and competitive matchups in college football, as most games are one-score and very competitive games throughout this rivalry's history. The two schools are usually evenly matched, and this year seems to follow that trend; there's always a fierce rivalry in this matchup, as will be witnessed throughout the week leading up to the game. With both colleges now in the Big Ten, this rivalry is poised to continue for many more years, serving as a significant source of pride for both institutions and their passionate supporters.

Let’s examine a few pivotal matchups that shaped this rivalry.

When USC defeated UCLA convincingly by a final score of 76-0 in 1929, the rivalry between these two in-city schools began. As we look at the current landscape, USC has emerged victorious in three of its last five matchups, solidifying its dominance in the rivalry with an impressive overall record of 52-34-7 against UCLA. However, the Bruins have won two of the previous three games against the Trojans.

Some matchups between these two schools were more significant than others. In 1967, USC won a national championship after defeating UCLA 21-20 in the Rose Bowl. The result of this game ultimately determined whether USC would clinch the national championship that season. This was just one of many important football games between these two programs.

In a thrilling Rose Bowl showdown, UCLA edged out USC with a nail-biting final score of 20-19 in 1982, marking the end of USC’s dominance at that time. The Bruins’ triumph marked a significant resurgence for UCLA as a formidable force in this storied rivalry, leading them to clinch victories in the subsequent two matchups.

At the conclusion of the 1998 regular season, UCLA triumphed over USC with a score of 34-17, marking the Bruins' eighth consecutive victory against their rivals, the Trojans. Shortly after, USC seized the advantage in this storied and prestigious rivalry.

In a gritty showdown, UCLA triumphed over UCS with a narrow 13-9 victory in 2006, effectively halting USC's five-game winning streak in this intense rivalry. UCLA later triumphed over USC with a score of 38-28 in 2012, ending another extended run by the Trojans in the series and another USC five-game winning streak in the rivalry between these two Los Angeles schools.

Let's dive into the final scores of every matchup between these two teams since 2010.

USC goes on a two-game winning streak.

In 2010, the Trojans triumphed over the Bruins with a score of 28 to 14.

2011: Trojans dominate Bruins 50-0

Three straight wins by UCLA as a top-25 ranked team.

2012: No. 17 Bruins 38, Trojans 28

In 2013, the No. 22 Bruins triumphed over the Trojans with a score of 35 to 14.

2014: No. 11 Bruins dominate Trojans 38-20

USC responds with a three-game winning streak of their own in this rivarly.

2015: Trojans 40, Bruins 21

2016: No. 13 Trojans 36, UCLA 14

2017: No. 11 Trojans edge UCLA 28-23

Then, in recent years, there were fewer winning streaks and more back-and-forth victories in this rivalry.

In 2018, the Bruins edged out the Trojans with a score of 34 to 27.

In 2019, the No. 23 Trojans triumphed over the Bruins with a score of 52 to 35.

2020: No. 15 Trojans edge Bruins 43-38

In 2021, the Bruins dominated the Trojans with a score of 62 to 33.

In a thrilling showdown, the No. 7 Trojans edged out the No. 16 Bruins with a nail-biting score of 48 to 45 in 2022.

2023: The Bruins on the road defeat the Trojans by a final score of 38-20.

The decade-long rivalry between these teams.

USC: 6 wins, 4 losses

UCLA: 4 wins, 6 losses

The five-year rivalry record between these local, state, and conference competitors.

USC holds a record of 3 wins and 2 losses.

UCLA record stands at 2-3.

The biggest victory margins recorded by each institution since 2010.

In 2011, USC put up an impressive 50 points to UCLA's zero points that game.

UCLA won by 29 points in 2021 over the Trojans..

The frequency with which both teams were ranked in the top 25 when they played each other.

Four occasions: 2022, 2023, 2014, and 2013.

Interesting facts and information about this rivalry.

The moniker for this fierce competition: “The Victory Bell Battle”

Fascinating information about this rivalry: Since both teams are from Los Angeles, they are not regarded as visitors and will be wearing their home uniforms.

The most thrilling encounter between these two universities over the last decade on the football field: It occurred in 2017, when USC emerged victorious by a slim five-point margin, a triumph that ultimately propelled the Trojans to claim the Pac-12 title that season.