2016 Game 11: USC vs. UCLA

By Jordan Moore on November 18, 2016 10:12 AM | No Comments

No. 13 USC Trojans (7-3, 6-2) at UCLA Bruins (4-6, 2-5)

The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN and WatchESPN.

Bruin to Watch: Senior DL Takkarist McKinley

While UCLA's defensive strength is in the secondary, McKinley is the most disruptive player on the field. The former JC transfer leads the nation in tackles-for-loss. He has been unblockable of late, racking up nine TFLs and six sacks in his last three games. For USC's senior offensive tackles, Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner, McKinley provides the perfect NFL showcase as the defensive end will hear his name called early next spring.

Click here for more on the Bruins.

3 Keys

Ground and Pound

The USC offense should pick up right where it left off in last year's crosstown rivalry game. The Trojans buried the Bruins with power football in the fourth quarter at the Coliseum in 2015, and UCLA has struggled with run defense again this fall, yielding 160 rush yards per game. Conversely, the Bruins are loaded in the secondary, sporting the third best pass defense in the Pac-12. Ronald Jones II had to work for every yard against Washington, but expect a big day from the sophomore and potentially more opportunities for senior RB Justin Davis who knocked the rust off last week.

Go Get It

UCLA QB Mike Fafaul has piled up yards since taking over for the injured Josh Rosen midseason, but he has a habit of throwing the ball to the other team. Fafaul has thrown 10 interceptions in his last five games, including four in the loss to Utah. The Trojans have struggled with turnover issues of their own, but defensively, they have been more opportunistic of late. USC has eight takeaways in its last four games, including five interceptions.

No Mercy

The Bruins have had an undeniably disappointing season, but they could salvage it by knocking off the surging Trojans. On the 10-year anniversary of the 13-9 loss at the Rose Bowl which cost USC a shot at the national championship, the Trojans cannot afford to take any opponent for granted, especially their crosstown rivals. At No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings, USC is in a prime position to play in a New Year's 6 Bowl if it wins out.

2016 Game 11: USC vs. UCLA

2016 Game 11: USC vs. UCLA

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