The Trojans are battered and bruised after a physical game against Washington, but energy is still high going into rivalry week.
- Here is the lengthy injury report from head coach Clay Helton: DL Josh Fatu (ankle - 50/50 at best for Saturday), DT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu (knee - limited for precautionary reasons), CB Iman Marshall (hamstring - limited), CB Jonathan Lockett (hip - working his way back), S John Plattenburg (sick), OLB Porter Gustin (ankle - held out of practice), RB Ronald Jones II (knee bruise - limited) and WR Deontay Burnett (sprained knee - battling through it).
-
USC surged up to No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings after winning its sixth consecutive game. The streak seemed farfetched when the Trojans left Utah at 1-3, but Helton credits the "leadership on all fronts" with turning the season around. "We knew if we kept on going that we had something special," he said about the coaches and players.
- While QB Sam Darnold is the obvious catalyst, several playmakers have emerged offensively to complement star wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. "Everyone is seeing touches and everyone is making plays," said Smith-Schuster about the increased diversity in this offense.
- In particular, senior WR Darreus Rogers has displayed a knack for making contested catches. "It's ridiculous. This guy's hands are unbelievable," Smith-Schuster said about his teammate who he compared to Spiderman. The wide receiving corps has known about Rogers' hands for years, seeing what he can do in practice every day, but now he is showing it in games.
- And on the inside, slot receiver Deontay Burnett has earned the trust of Darnold. "Smooth is the right word to describe Tay," said the quarterback about one of his favorite targets. Darnold compared Burnett to Steph Curry, saying, "Steph is not going to out physical you, outrun you [and] he is obviously not the biggest guy out there, but he knows how to get open. Tay is just one of those players who knows how to get open and knows how to do his thing once the ball comes to him."
- While USC is 7-3 and UCLA is 4-6, Helton urged everyone to "read between the lines" when scouting the Bruins. He noted that UCLA has close losses to Utah, Colorado and Washington State, three ranked teams.
- Helton described the USC-UCLA rivalry as "bigger than life," but he wants his players to keep their emotions in check. "That's one of the challenges this week to be honest with you."
- Smith-Schuster has played in the game twice, so he knows what to expect. "The more and more the day comes closer, you get more excited," said the junior who has a win and loss against UCLA. "It's a big rivalry and everyone is excited, but you just have to keep calm."
- Here is Helton's first press conference of UCLA week with a detailed scouting report of the Bruins:
