Los Angeles will be watching.
It has been a while since the UCLA-USC rivalry game has meant
anything much more than city bragging rights.
But then again, it’s been a while since the Trojans have
had the opportunity to win four straight games against the Bruins.
It’s been a while since the Trojans have had a legitimate
Heisman candidate like quarterback Carson Palmer. And most of all,
it’s been a while since both teams have entered the game with
a Pac-10 title or a prestigious bowl berth on the line.
Although the Trojans seem to have all the momentum on their
side, USC coaches are quick to remind players of the special nature
of the rivalry game ““ where anything and everything goes.
“Our football team is pretty excited about the position
that we are in right now,” said USC head coach Pete Carroll,
who has led his team to an 8-2 overall record and a 6-1 record in
the Pac-10.
“UCLA has been on a good run and done some great things
with their team. We will have to see whether we can stay on track
and do the things that we know how to do for a great game. The eye
of all fans in the area will be on this game.”
Indeed, it was only last year that the teams’ roles were
reversed. UCLA was the senior-laden team and was favored entering
its match-up with USC. However, behind its big, athletic defensive
line, the USC defense shut out the Bruins en route to a 27-0
victory. Just like UCLA head coach Bob Toledo, however, Carroll has
banned any talk of last year’s game.
“It doesn’t have any bearing on what happens
now,” Carroll said. “We are going to just go out and
try to win the football game. We want to do what we have always
done and see what this year’s story is all about.”
So far, this year’s story is more complete than any in
recent memory. Toledo called this year’s version of the USC
team the best he has seen in his nine years at UCLA. The Trojans
have won via a balanced offensive attack and an aggressive,
stifling defense that applies pressure endlessly. Both elements are
quickly becoming trademarks of Pete Carroll’s football
teams.
“This is the best USC team that I’ve seen since
I’ve been at UCLA,” Toledo said. “It might even
be the best team that we’ve played since I’ve been at
UCLA. They’re playing with a lot of confidence right now.
Their defense is outstanding, and their offense is as balanced as
they’ve ever been.”
The Trojans know what’s at stake. USC has already sent
representatives to talk to BCS officials to inquire about a
possible BCS berth in the event that USC wins its final two games
over UCLA and Notre Dame. Against UCLA it would seem that USC has a
decided advantage on paper, but the Trojans also know the wrench
that would be thrown into their postseason plans if USC should fall
to the Bruins.
“We won’t overlook them,” USC cornerback
Darrell Rideaux said. “It’s one game at a time. We can
worry about the BCS later. I know we’ll bring our
“˜A’ game just because it’s UCLA, just like I know
that UCLA will bring their “˜A’ game because we’re
USC. Everything’s on the line on Saturday.”
“In my opinion, this is the best rivalry in college
football,” Toledo said.
It’s been a while since anyone has had reason to think
so.