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USC takes 6-game winning streak into 86th meeting with UCLA

No. 15 Southern California (7-3, 6-2, No. 13 CFP) at UCLA (4-6, 2-5), 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: USC by 12+.

Series Record: USC leads 47-31-7.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

USC takes a six-game winning streak into the 86th crosstown showdown for the Victory Bell, while UCLA needs to finish a disappointing season with back-to-back wins to ensure bowl eligibility.

KEY MATCHUP

UCLA DE Takkarist McKinley vs. USC RT Zach Banner. The Bruins' sack machine is having the best individual season on a solid defense, and his ability to pressure QB Sam Darnold could give UCLA a chance to hang in with the Trojans.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

USC: LB Porter Gustin. The sophomore's disruptive play has been a major recent boost to the Trojans' defense, culminating in two sacks last week in their upset of Washington. He already has a team-best 9 + tackles for loss.

UCLA: QB Mike Fafaul. The senior backup has filled in capably for injured starter Josh Rosen, setting school records for single-game completions and attempts. A win over USC would be an improbable highlight for the former walk-on.

FACTS & FIGURES

Both teams will wear their home jerseys at the Rose Bowl, as per rivalry tradition. ... USC returned to the rankings this week for the first time since its season-opening loss to Alabama. ... UCLA ended a four-game losing streak last week with a home win over Oregon State. ... UCLA coach Jim Mora lost to the Trojans for the first time last year after three straight victories in the crosstown showdown to open his career in Westwood. Two days after USC's 40-21 victory, Clay Helton was named the permanent head coach. ... UCLA LB Jayon Brown is the Pac-12's leading tackler with 9.7 per game. ... The Bruins' defense has yielded only eight touchdown passes all season. Darnold has thrown 20 TD passes during USC's six-game winning streak. ... USC is on its longest winning streak since 2008. They haven't won the conference or reached the Rose Bowl since. ... USC has lost the last two crosstown showdowns played at the Rose Bowl after winning five of the previous six in Pasadena.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org

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