THE RIVALRY UCLA vs. USC

USC (4-6, 1-6) at UCLA (6-4, 3-4)

* Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rose Bowl, Fox Sports Net 2 (in progress).

* Story line: In the grand old days, from 1972-79, this game decided a Rose Bowl berth each season. This season, both teams were eliminated from the Rose Bowl race weeks ago. The Trojans aren’t going bowling, and the Bruins might not know their bowl destination--El Paso or Honolulu--for another week or two. So this one truly is for bragging rights, and nothing else.

* UCLA update: The Bruins’ 17-7 loss to USC last season ended an eight-game winning streak against the Trojans. The Bruins have scored at least 23 points in all but one game, but, hampered by a patchwork defensive line, they also have given up at least 23 points in all but one game.

* USC update: No Pac-10 opponent has scored fewer than 28 against USC. The Trojans, guaranteed to finish in last place in the conference standings for the first time in school history, have not beaten UCLA in consecutive seasons since Rodney Peete led them in 1987-88.

* Edge to USC: In rivalry games, always figure out the logical choice to win, then pick the other team. But oh, how the disgruntled USC alumni must be squirming: If you’re calling for the head of USC Coach Paul Hackett, shouldn’t you be rooting for UCLA?

* The line: UCLA by 3.

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USC TALE OF THE TAPE UCLA 35 Rivalry Wins 27 4 Most wins in row 8 8 Longest unbeaten streak 8 17 Home Victories 13 18 Away Victories 14 1 1920s Victories 0 3 1930s Victories 0 9 1940s Victories 2 2 1950s Victories 7 7 1960s Victories 3 7 1970s Victories 2 4 1980s Victories 5 2 1990s Victories 8 4 Heisman Winners 1 5 National Titles 1 31 Conference Titles 17 28 Rose Bowl Games 12 20 Rose Bowl Wins 5 11 Undefeated Seasons 2 17 One-loss seasons 5

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