UCLA Bruins

Clay Helton, Trojans have a lot to lose against UCLA

Published Nov. 23, 2015 6:18 p.m. ET

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USC interim head coach knows that the stakes are higher than ever as the Trojans prepare to play for the Pac-12 South title against their bitter rivals. This will be the first time the Helton has been charged with leading the Trojans against the Bruins.

Despite the stakes in this rivalry game, Helton is trying to make sure his guys focus on getting their jobs done.

"Even though it's for the championship game and we've got ourselves to this position," Helton said Sunday night, per the Los Angeles Times, "just focus on doing your job would be the biggest thing I could tell our guys."

USC is coming off of a 48-28 drubbing by Oregon and has lost three straight to UCLA. However, the Trojans know exactly what is at stake and are focused on having their best week of preparation this season.

"We've got to have a mind-set to come in Monday and be ready to go," quarterback Cody Kessler said after the defeat. "We're playing to win the South. Guys are going to be excited about that and it's going to be a great week of preparation, but it definitely hurts with any loss."

(h/t Los Angeles Times)