Coming to Defense of Rivalry

Chapter 71 in the unfinished tome, “Antagonism in the City of Angels” will be written today at the Coliseum.

Working title: “Defense Rules the Day.”

Not defense as provided by David Kestenbaum, the Van Nuys attorney representing UCLA quarterback Cory Paus in his drunken-driving case. Or as furnished by Robert C. Berry, the Boston College sports law expert representing Bruin tailback DeShaun Foster in his fight for eligibility.

Experts for the defense in the matter of UCLA vs. USC don’t wear designer suits and Italian shoes. They don’t carry briefcases. They don’t file briefs.

But they make their cases quite forcefully.

The Bruin firm of Anderson, Thomas, Coleman and Nece will lock horns with Trojan counselors Polamalu, Simmons, Ford and Strong.

In the 70 previous meetings between these teams, almost every conceivable story line and plot twist has occurred. Today the focus should be on players without the ball, the ones reacting and attacking those trying to score.

UCLA’s defense is the best in the Pacific 10 Conference, having held opponents to 17.3 points and 315.7 yards a game. Only Stanford has scored more than 21 against the Bruins.

Furthermore, USC’s running game is nearly nonexistent and the passing game inconsistent. Sunny Byrd averages 2.9 yards a carry and the surprise factor involved in redshirt freshman Chris Howard’s scoring twice on end runs against California last week is gone.

Quarterback Carson Palmer is dangerous, especially against UCLA, having led the Trojans to two consecutive victories over the Bruins. But he is also maddening in his unpredictability.

Edge: Bruin defense.

USC’s defense is second in the Pac 10, having held opponents to 19.7 points and 349.8 yards. The Trojans have given up only 27 points in their last two games.

Furthermore, the UCLA running game is weakened without Foster and the passing game inconsistent under Paus. Akil Harris and Manuel White are solid, but no one is talking Heisman Trophy as they were with Foster, who, by the way, was held to 43 yards in 20 carries last year against the Trojans.

Paus is coming off his best game, a 321-yard effort against Oregon, but he threw three interceptions against Washington State and continues to be plagued by a sore thumb.

Edge: Trojan defense.

So where will the points come from?

The best offense is often defense for both teams.

USC’s winning touchdown against Arizona two weeks ago was scored on Kris Richard’s interception return. In turnover margin, the Trojans have gone from last in the nation a year ago to ninth.

UCLA has scored three touchdowns on interception and fumble returns, one of each by linebacker Ryan Nece. The Bruins have converted turnovers into 69 points.

Besides each team having a strong defensive unit, the best individuals are defenders.

Bruin middle linebacker Robert Thomas is one of three finalists for the Butkus Award and leads the Pac-10 with 99 tackles, 22 of them for losses. A senior, Thomas is the heart and soul of a unit that has flourished under new defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

“I think [Thomas] is a fantastic football player,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s a very instinctive kid because you see him snap and attack things. He’s not cautious in any aspect of his play. They have a structure that allows him to be the most productive tackler.”

Trojan safety Troy Polamalu is second in the Pac-10 with 96 tackles, 10 for losses. A junior, Polamalu is the centerpiece of a secondary that has USC No. 1 in the conference in pass defense.

“Polamalu is a great player and we have to account for where he is on the football field at all times,” UCLA Coach Bob Toledo said. “He makes big hits and big plays.”

Thomas and Polamalu are not much on deliberation. They make their closing arguments with their helmets.

Thomas, however, did comment grudgingly on the Trojans.

“I see a lot of weak spots in their offense,” he said. “There is a lot of hate involved in this rivalry, but as far as my own approach, it’s nothing personal. It’s all business.”

Just don’t expect him to show up with a briefcase.