Trojans Begin Preparation For Crosstown Rivalry Game At UCLA
With their 38-30 win over Cal last Thursday, USC (7-3, 6-2 Pac-12) jumped back into the national conversation, being ranked No. 24 by both the AP and coaches’ polls.
"I loved the energy I guys came out with, the focus, and a really good first half in all three phases,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said about the team’s performance against Cal. “All in all it was a good win for us.”
Sarkisian credited his staff and the team’s leadership for refocusing and energizing its players over the course of the season, which has allowed the Trojans to be in the position to win the Pac-12 South going into this Saturday’s game against the Bruins (8-2, 5-2).
Working on the Mental Game
Headed into a game against USC'scross-town rival with serious Pac-12 South implications, Sark emphasized the importance of the team’s mindset.
“When you have a rivalry game, it can become mental, you can get caught up in it,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian said that it’s important that his team prepares really well all week long, mentally, physically and emotionally, and then putting it all together, while not getting caught up in distractions and having laser focus for 60 minutes regardless of the score.
“Whether we’re up by 21 or whatever it is, it’s about playing our brand of football all the time,” he continued.
SEE ALSO: Agholor's Record Day Propels USC Over Cal
Putting the Breaks on Hundley
One great task that Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox are faced with is stopping the Bruins' dual-threat quarterback Brett Hundley.
The 6-3, 227 pound junior has thrown for over 2,500 yards so far this season to go along with 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s also rushed for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
“Brett is a heck of a player,” Sarkisian said. “You have to defend him throwing the football and he has a lot of weapons.”
Sarkisian expressed that it’s going to take a three-level approach to thwart Hundley, due to his tremendous ability to scramble outside of the pocket and make players with his feet, whether its via the designed quarterback run or a spontaneous scramble when he is actually looking to pass.
The defense will also have to deal with the talents of sophomore running back Paul Perkins, who already put up over 1,100 yards on the ground for the Bruins this season.
“It’s going to be a tall order for us,” Sarksian said.
Battle of Los Angeles
There is no doubt that bragging rights will be on the line come Saturday, as both teams will be vying to show why they are L.A.’s true team.
“This game not only has a lot of meaning in the city of Los Angeles, but a real meaning in the South division,” Sarkisian said. “We have to take care of our business.”
This year's rivalry game at the world-famous Rose Bowl is set to kick off at 5 p.m. and will be nationally televised on ABC.
Reach Staff Reporter Darian Nourian here.