Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC or ESPN2 (coverage map) and WatchESPN
Bruin to Watch: Freshman QB Josh RosenAfter a hot start to the season, the star-studded neophyte was dubbed "Chosen Rosen" and put on Heisman lists. While he has not quite matched the initial hype, he has enjoyed a solid true freshman campaign, throwing for 283.9 yards per game with 19 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. He has actually gone 218 throws without a pick. While Rosen is not as elusive or powerful as Brett Hundley, he is still a capable runner, including 70 yards on 5 carries against Washington State.
(Photo by Stephen Dunn)
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3 Keys
Act Your Age
When he has time to throw, Rosen looks like an elite NFL prospect, blessed with a tremendous amount of arm talent. However, under pressure and off his spot, he can suddenly resemble a true freshman, especially in the losses to Arizona State and Stanford (44/82 and 3 INTs). The USC defense must regain its aggressive mentality, which disappeared in the first half against Oregon. If the Trojans can get in the backfield to chop down Paul Perkins, the conference's fourth leading rusher, and harass Rosen, they will find much more success than they did against Brett Hundley, whose mobility was the key to UCLA's three-game winning streak in the crosstown rivalry.
Kessler's Time
Against Cody Kessler, the UCLA defense has found success by taking away his favorite target. In 2013, the Bruins held Marqise Lee to 6 catches for 69 yards. Last year, Nelson Agholor managed only 3 catches for 24 yards. This time around, all Bruin eyes, at least in the secondary, will be on JuJu Smith-Schuster. So, can Kessler beat UCLA by spreading the ball around to all his targets? The Trojans will certainly need someone (or several someones) to step up as unsung heroes and etch their names into the great history of this rivalry.
Leave a Legacy
As if the game needed another storyline, USC's seniors will also be playing their final game in the Coliseum. Thanks to their perseverance, the Trojans are in position to depart as champions. USC handled its business all season long in the Pac-12 South, defeating ASU, Arizona, Utah and Colorado, but it will take a clean sweep to win the division and advance to the Pac-12 Championship for the first time in school history. The difference between winning and losing this game will characterize the whole season and how this senior class will be remembered.
