UCLA Football Prepares for USC Rivalry Showdown Amid Bowl Eligibility Quest
LOS ANGELES — As UCLA football gears up for its highly anticipated rivalry game against USC this Saturday, head coach DeShaun Foster reflected on the significance of the matchup during a media scrum following practice. Foster, a former player and assistant coach, emphasized the palpable energy surrounding the team leading into this critical game.
A victory not only enhances the storied rivalry narrative but also has crucial implications for the Bruins’ bowl eligibility. With just two games remaining, a win against USC could solidify their path to a bowl game, a possibility that seemed unlikely when they started the season at 1-5. Quarterback Ethan Garbers expressed the team’s resolve, stating, “We got to get over this, we got to get this W… Our goal is still to get bowl eligible and that’s our number one priority.”
During practice this week, notable UCLA alumni such as Anthony Barr and Skip Hicks shared insights from their playing days, boosting team morale. Hicks recounted his experience from the 1997 season when the Bruins overcame a 0-2 start to finish 10-2, inspiring the current players. Garbers noted the importance of Hicks’ words, highlighting that “we have more to play for than just a win against USC.”
The game promises to be particularly intriguing for Garbers as the Bruins face USC’s D’Anton Lynn, a former defensive coordinator at UCLA now coaching for the Trojans. Garbers acknowledged the challenge, recognizing that while he is familiar with Lynn’s defensive strategies, there will be surprises in store.
As the Bruins prepare for this pivotal matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher, blending the fierce rivalry with the hope of extending their season.
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