Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
Los Angeles and Gauntlet bragging rights are on the line this week as the Trojans take on the Bruins at the Rose Bowl. But more importantly, the crosstown rivalry will determine the Pac-12 South representative in the conference championship game.
"This was such a unique week in how everything set up after two losses and still having so much to play for," said head coach Lane Kiffin. "We made sure everyone understood where we are at and what is at stake. It is like a NFL-feel of a playoff."
The Trojans have embraced this NFL-like playoff that they are fully immersed in. "We control our own destiny and we have to win to move on to the next stage," said quarterback Matt Barkley.
However, safety T.J. McDonald prefers to just focus on the Trojans' next opponent UCLA rather than the implications with it. "I just see UCLA as our next opponent. It is a rivalry game and we need to go into there full force," McDonald said.
With so much on the line this week, the pressure isn't anything new to USC. The Trojans have been faced with many challenges this season and have adapted accordingly.
"I think our guys have done a great job on focusing on what matters, to win these games to decide our future," Barkley said. "I think it's a good situation for us. We have a goal and there's no doubt that we can achieve that."
Luckily, the Trojans' Rose Bowl hopes are not out of the question yet. Though a formidable task is ahead in the coming weeks, USC is ready to face UCLA in what will probably be the most exciting game of the season. The 38-17 victory over Arizona State set USC one step closer to the Pac-12 title and the Rose Bowl.
Los Angeles and Gauntlet bragging rights are on the line this week as the Trojans take on the Bruins at the Rose Bowl. But more importantly, the crosstown rivalry will determine the Pac-12 South representative in the conference championship game.
"This was such a unique week in how everything set up after two losses and still having so much to play for," said head coach Lane Kiffin. "We made sure everyone understood where we are at and what is at stake. It is like a NFL-feel of a playoff." The Trojans have embraced this NFL-like playoff that they are fully immersed in. "We control our own destiny and we have to win to move on to the next stage," said quarterback Matt Barkley.
However, safety T.J. McDonald prefers to just focus on the Trojans' next opponent UCLA rather than the implications with it. "I just see UCLA as our next opponent. It is a rivalry game and we need to go into there full force," McDonald said.
With so much on the line this week, the pressure isn't anything new to USC. The Trojans have been faced with many challenges this season and have adapted accordingly.
"I think our guys have done a great job on focusing on what matters, to win these games to decide our future," Barkley said. "I think it's a good situation for us. We have a goal and there's no doubt that we can achieve that."
Luckily, the Trojans' Rose Bowl hopes are not out of the question yet. Though a formidable task is ahead in the coming weeks, USC is ready to face UCLA in what will probably be the most exciting game of the season. The 38-17 victory over Arizona State set USC one step closer to the Pac-12 title and the Rose Bowl.
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