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By David Wharton

Nov. 16, 2008 12 AM PT

UCLA

(4-6, 3-4)

at ARIZONA STATE

(4-6, 3-4)

Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.

ESPN2

Both teams are holding precariously to bowl hopes, each needing to win this one and a rivalry game in its regular-season finale -- Arizona State against Arizona and UCLA against USC -- in order to become eligible. After six consecutive losses, the Sun Devils have won two straight -- over the Washington schools. Saturday’s 31-0 shutout of Washington State was the Sun Devils’ first since 1996. “Obviously, UCLA is going to be more difficult,” Coach Dennis Erickson said afterward, “but we’re playing for something.”

UCLA Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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