UCLA claims California with statement win over USC

Two programs stationed 13 miles apart are forever unified by the historical value of their rivalry.

In the next College Football Playoff rankings, UCLA and USC will head in opposite directions. The Bruins dispatched the rival Trojans 38-20 on Saturday night.

It wasn't only a distinct showdown between schools, it was a highly anticipated quarterback battle between USC's Cody Kessler and UCLA's Brett Hundley.

On this night, though, it was Hundley who prevailed.

The Bruins pivot was tremendous behind center, completing 22-of-31 passes for three touchdowns and 326 yards. 

He also rushed for a score of his own, boosting his career record to 3-0 against USC.

Overall, UCLA was expected to win the game. At 9-2 and ranked No. 9, the Bruins have had a season to remember under head coach Jim Mora.

Although the offense was on point in the one-sided victory, it's the defense that deserves credit. After giving up a touchdown in each of the first two quarters, the defensive line was on lockdown, keeping the Trojans to one score in garbage time the rest of the way. 

Moreover, USC needed to put forward a stellar performance if it wanted to compete. But given the offense's inability to produce anything and the defense's lack of pressure on the passer, it wasn't the Trojans' night.

Kessler threw for 214 yards and one touchdown on 22-of-34 passing. On most nights and against most schools, that might be enough to win. But against a school that is clearly one of the best teams on the West Coast, it wasn't even close.