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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It’s that time of the year again when the UCLA Football Bruins play not just for a victory but for the rights to a city.
This season hasn’t been kind to the UCLA Football program. They’ve lost a number of close games and also lost stud QB Josh Rosen with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder during the Arizona State game. That has forced former walk-on backup Mike Fafaul to the forefront with mixed results. They also now sit on the edge of bowl elimination as they need to win out to be eligible.
Across town a QB change was seemed to have jumpstarted the Trojan offense. Alabama put a beating on the Trojans to start the season. In fact the boys across town struggled in their first month of the season as they dropped to a 1-3 record before October. Their only win during that stretch was against Utah State.
Enter redshirt freshman QB Sam Darnold who lost a close Fall battle with senior Max Browne. Although Browne didn’t play exceptionally poorly, the team needed a spark and that was provided by the athletic, mobile and strong armed youngster.
With Darnold leading the Trojans, USC has looked almost unstoppable on offense and have swept through the PAC-12 schedule with ease including a victory over the southern division leading Colorado Buffaloes.
This game is a tale of two teams on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. On one hand USC is playing for a potential shot to play for a PAC-12 championship game against a Washington team they’ve already beaten. On the other this UCLA team is fighting purely for pride and potential bowl survival.
Which is the stronger motivator, pride or glory?
Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the team mascot as he walks back to the locker room following a 26-13 victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
USC Offense
Under the guidance of Darnold the Trojans have seen their offense explode for points and yards this season. Solidly built at 6’4 225lbs, Darnold already has pro size to go along with his pro ready arm. He is a bit of a gunslinger but that hasn’t gotten him into too much trouble as he’s kept his turnovers to a minimum at just six interceptions. Only time will tell if Darnold is the real thing but one thing is for sure, he’s a major part of this offensive machine. It isn’t all him though.
Both RB’s Ronald Jones and Justin Davis are averaging over six yards a carry behind a massive offensive line. Both are gifted runners who can find the crease and take it the distance but Jones is the more elusive of the two. While USC doesn’t throw to it’s backs too often, both are averaging over seven yards per catch.
The guys doing most of the catching are highlighted by one of the top receivers in the nation and potential high draft pick Juju Smith-Schuster. Blessed with impressive size, speed and hand eye coordination, Smith-Schuster is a nightmare matchup for any defensive coordinator. He is the go to target on any team but has been dinged up this season which has opened up opportunities for other guys.
Darreus Rogers has come on strong this season and is also a big target for young Darnold. With both him and JuJu on the field you have to hope your corners can stand up to these big boys. The emerging threat though comes from the TE position. Daniel Imatorbhebhe had seven catches going into last week’s game against the university of Washington. In that game he had five catches for 78 yards and a score. He’s a dangerous threat to the seam of any defense looking to double up Smith-Schuster or Rogers with safety help over the top. Should teams try split those safeties wide, look out because here comes Imatorbhebhe to give you anxiety and then massive depression.
Let’s get back to that offensive line we mentioned earlier. This group is made up of some massive individuals led by RT Zach Banner who is listed at 6’9 360lbs, LT Chad Wheeler (6’7 310lbs) and OG Damien Mama (6’4 325lbs).
In addition to outweighing most defensive lines they face, they have the size to wall off any potential pass rushers. However they are not the most fleet footed and can be beaten with speed. The only reason they don’t give up more sacks is because of the escapability of Darnold.
USC Defense
This is an active front seven. Not only are they active but that are fast, strong and big. Start with the defensive line.
The Trojans show multiple looks and will bounce between a 4-3 and a 3-4 which in itself causes problems for opposing offenses. DT/DE Rasheem Green might be the best player along that front and he’s only a sophomore. Listed at 6’5 280 he has the size that catches the eye of NFL scouts and the game tape to back it up. If you try and run at him he will anchor, shed and make a tackle. Try the stretch running game? Nope, he’s going to knife through with his speed. That pretty much sums up this whole Dline.
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At the linebacker position people know the names Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith who are leaders among the LB’s but ILB Michael Hutchings is no slouch. He’s a missile in the run game seeing plays develop well and has the speed to close in a hurry. He also has the athleticism to stay on the field on pass plays which is a major plus for this defense.
No matter how stellar the other units, the secondary reigns supreme on this defense. Led by the dynamic CB/KR Adoree’ Jackson and the underrated Iman Marshall this unit creates all kinds of issues for offenses. It just isn’t the starting corners either as the Trojans have talented depth they will rotate in especially Chris Hawkins and Jack Jones to keep everyone fresh.
The safety position doesn’t get as much love as the corners but because the corners are so talented the safeties actually have a little more free reign when they’re not manned up.
Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans defensive end Porter Gustin (45) celebrates after sacking Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Analysis
This game is a match up nightmare across the board for the Bruins. They have been unable to generate consistent, productive drives and a lot of that falls on the offensive line. Against Oregon State last week, UCLA was able to find success on the ground. This is a completely different animal. If they can’t find ways to protect Fafaul or generate a run game, it’s going to be a long day for the UCLA defense.
If the Bruins were going to try and find the one weakness this USC defense may have it is they will give up some yards to running QB’s. Utah was able to move the ball that way with Troy Williams and when Washington went to the wildcat a few times they also had some success.
The Bruins have a QB capable of running in true freshman Devon Modster. They would have to burn his redshirt but if Rosen leaves after next year you’d want your potential new starting QB to have some experience. He also gives this team the best chance to surprise USC and is a decent passer so you don’t throw the passing game out the window.
This UCLA defense has proven over this season they’re the force keeping the Bruins in many games and that will be the story here as well. They have the talented secondary to keep pace with the Trojan receivers and the front seven to make the run game tough if they can get this whole unit to show up. The major key will be getting to Darnold and getting sacks or forcing interceptions. Takkarist McKinley has been on a tear lately and needs to have another big game.
Prediction
Even if the Bruins start Modster, even if they force some turnovers and play stout defensively all game long this will be an uphill battle. The Bruins also need to keep the ball away from Jackson in the return game as there will be no margin for error and cheap points. It is never easy to pick against the Bruins and it’s especially tough to pick USC but I have a had time believing the Bruins can relive the magic of 2006. 28-14 USC.
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