Families like the McDonald's are what makes the USC-UCLA rivalry so special...
- As you probably know, T.J. McDonald is the son of two-time USC All-American Tim McDonald, whose other son Tevin plays for the Bruins. As a corner last season, the younger McDonald tied the UCLA record with three interceptions against Cal. This year, he moved to safety like his big brother and father. He has two games with double-digit tackles.
On every other Saturday, T.J. is Tevin's biggest fan. "We're honest with each other about everything we see," the senior safety said. "We're used to playing with each other before we got to college, [but] it's still family before everything. I'm proud of the way that he plays."- On this particular Saturday, big brother wants to remain in charge. "There's always going to be that competition, but it's never going to break apart the blood," McDonald said. "He'll be talking a lot [if UCLA wins]. He's had three years to listen to me."
- T.J. also knows that this rivalry is bigger than his household. "It means a lot to not just this team, but all the players that came before you, all the alumni that are watching, people that support USC, it's a huge rivalry. We want to go out and beat UCLA and show them who owns L.A."
- If the Trojans want to defeat UCLA, they will have to slow down QB Brett Hundley, who has 24 TD passes to only 9 INTs as a redshirt freshman. He's also a capable runner with 6 TDs on the ground. "He's put together unbelievable numbers the whole season," Lane Kiffin said. "You start watching, 'How can that happen with a freshman?' It's very unusual. They've done a great job with him. It's a great system."
- MLB Lamar Dawson will have to contend with a mobile quarterback in a spread offense for the fourth consecutive week. Judging by his numbers against ASU (11 tackles and an INT), he is starting to get the hang of it. "I feel like I had a better game knowing my keys and just running to the football making plays," Dawson said.
- However, Dawson credits the improvement against the Sun Devils to pride and effort as much as new schemes. "It was a little of both," he said. "We took a lot of pride after the last two losses and we really needed to step up."
- What does a guy from Kentucky know about the Crosstown Rivalry? "I know it's a big rivalry in L.A.," said Dawson, who grew up on Kentucky-Louisville basketball games dividing his state. "I'm ready for it and I was a part of it last year."
- (Photo by Jon SooHoo)
- Here is Lane Kiffin after practice...
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