On Nov. 17, the University of California, Los Angeles will be playing the University of Southern California at the Rose Bowl for their second to last game of the season. Both teams are performing well this year due to standout players such as Brett Hundley and Johnathan Franklin for UCLA and star quarterback Matt Barkley for USC. Barkley was projected as the number one overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft; however, his stock has dropped with several lack-luster performances.
“The game is truly all on Matt Barkley,” said CHS alumni and current USC freshman Lex Ballowe. “If he can continue to build upon his near-perfect performance against Colorado, USC should have no problem putting up big points.”
UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley will play a key role in the game against USC. Hundley threw four interceptions in UCLA’s loss to the University of California, Berkeley in early Oct., which showed that Hundley might have a propensity for mistakes against tougher opponents. Hundley will need to prepare himself mentally in order to beat USC.
“Hundley needs to use the energy the crowd is going to be feeding him,” said CHS alumni and current UCLA freshman Krishan Patel. “He needs to make sure that he keeps possession of the football if the team wants a chance to win. He also needs to capitalize on his ability to run the football, as it provides an extra dimension to UCLA’s offense.”
UCLA’s offense is highly ranked and averages over 550 yards per game. In addition to Hundley’s rushing ability, Johnathan Franklin’s consistency as running back also brings versatility to UCLA’s offense. This will present a challenge to USC’s defense, as the team has struggled throughout the season, most recently with its consecutive losses to Arizona and Oregon.
“Both defenses have enormous amounts of talent but have been inconsistent at times,” said senior Cory Feinberg. “Each team will have a challenge in slowing down the other’s high powered offense. This game is going to be close, and it depends on who makes the fewest mistakes.”
Matt Barkley’s pinpoint accuracy and USC’s prolific offense will give the team an advantage throughout the game. However, UCLA’s current momentum, having had three straight wins, has given them a higher ranking than USC and might push them over the edge for a victory.
