Many coaches will say, “Every game counts the same” or “We take things one week at a time.”
But there is a certain undeniable tension in the Los Angeles air when campus statues in Westwood and University Park are enclosed in wooden structures and layers of bubble wrap in late November.
And when an opportunity exists to paint one’s colors over the other’s on the coveted Victory Bell, it is hard to view Saturday as merely another game.
In the 95th Battle of LA, UCLA football (3-8, 3-5 Big Ten) will make the crosstown trip to face No. 19 USC (8-3, 6-2) at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. The contest will be the Bruins’ final game of the season following a home loss to Washington and a road loss to No. 1 Ohio State that eliminated the squad from bowl contention.
“We all want to play ball,” said redshirt senior defensive back Key Lawrence. “I’m not even a California native, but from what I’ve been hearing, it’s a big game coming up at the end of the year. It can either make or break it.”
UCLA enters its 2025 finale amid a period of offensive uncertainty.
Following a three-game conference win streak where the team averaged 33 points per game, the Bruins have failed to generate offensive production, resulting in a point differential of -129 across their four consecutive losses.
A common product of a grueling 12-game stretch, injuries have also impacted UCLA’s offensive viability, with redshirt sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava sidelined in the loss against the Buckeyes with a concussion and leaving the game against the Huskies early with an injury.
“At this time of the year, there’s always something that surprises you,” said interim head coach Tim Skipper. “Our team, when we’re in the locker room after the game, I can look in their eyes and tell that they still want to play ball.”
The big play ability Iamaleava adds to the Bruins’ offense has allowed assistant head coach and tight ends coach Jerry Neuheisel to implement a diverse scheme that also relies on the Long Beach, California, local’s rushing ability.
Iamaleava has also embraced a leadership role and built strong connections with his Bruin teammates off the gridiron, said redshirt junior tight end Jack Pedersen.
“You learn his story, what he’s about and how he loves the game of football,” Pedersen said. “He’s a great guy, and I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Saturday’s rivalry clash is an opportunity for Iamaleava – in his first season as UCLA’s starter – to notch another signature moment as a Bruin after leading an upset win against then-No. 7 Penn State on Oct. 4.
The home team has not rung the Victory Bell since 2019, with the Bruins’ last rivalry win coming in 2023 at the Coliseum. In order to keep the streak of visiting factions claiming the trophy, the Bruins will have to contend with the Trojans’ multidimensional offensive onslaught.
Anchored by a career year from quarterback Jayden Maiava, the USC offense averages 38 points per game in 2025 – the third-highest mark in the Big Ten. Maiava, who transferred from UNLV in 2024, has recorded 3,174 yards through the air alongside a nation-best 91.4 QBR.
With star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane as Maiava’s main targets, offensive coordinator Luke Huard’s unit averages 479.2 yards per game – the eighth-highest figure in the country.
An interim coaching group amid an era of uncertainty around the UCLA program will be tasked with adjusting to a dangerous USC squad.
But the team has focused on appreciating the opportunity in front of it, regardless of the unknown future coaching staff or the whereabouts of the Bruins’ home stadium for the 2026 season.
“We have to be ready to show that we’re here to fight, we know how to strain and we want to win ball games,” Skipper said.
Comments are closed.