Speaking in front of a large scrum of reporters and cameras Monday morning, the six UCLA players chose their words carefully. Junior wide receiver Jordan Payton would not refer to Saturday’s adversary by name, instead calling them “our opponent.” Junior cornerback Ishmael Adams downplayed the significance of the upcoming game, responding to a question about bragging rights with: “sure.” Redshirt sophomore running back Paul Perkins likened the importance of this week’s game to that of any other Pac-12 matchup. Read more...
Photo: Then-sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams hurdles a USC defender on a kick return last year during the rivalry game. (Daily Bruin file photo)





