Pac-12: Deon Hollins says UCLA and USC are viewed differently

UCLA linebacker Deon Hollins was not bewitched or bewildered. Befuddled, on the other hand, was mentioned a couple times Thursday at Pac-12 media days at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.

Hollins was asked whether UCLA missed an opportunity win the conference with USC having slipped from elite status in recent seasons. He was a little put off, saying, “The media loves them. I don’t feel like we lost any opportunity. We’re just as strong as we’ve always been. We have 18 starters back. It’s not a down year by any means.”

Hollins said, “It befuddles me. But we love that. It buys into our blue-collar mentality.”

UCLA has beaten USC three consecutive seasons. But Hollins noted that the Bruins are viewed differently from the Trojans.

USC was picked to win the Pac-12 by the media. UCLA was picked to finish third in the South Division.

“People look at us and, for whatever reason, say, ‘It’s UCLA, they’re OK, they are going to show a little bit, but then they are going to fall off the map’ ” Hollins said. “It befuddles me because how much talent we have and how much we are overlooked. I’m not slighted by that. It just puts a chip on our shoulders.”

Hollins added, “We’re in Southern California, too, but when people say, ‘Southern Cal,’ they’re referring to them. It comes with the territory.”

As for this season’s game against the Trojans, Hollins said, “The rivalry is renewed and we’re going to be chomping at the bit to get after them.”