“This is proven. This is the number one (public institution). I’m not making up anything. These are proven facts.”

Other crossovers between UCLA and USC (5-5, 3-5 Big Ten) include Trojans receiver Kyle Ford, who transferred to UCLA and then back again to USC ahead of this season, and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who coached at UCLA last season.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger has a sister who goes to USC, but he says she’s been supportive of him at UCLA all season.

“She’ll be there and she’ll be in my jersey,” the redshirt junior said. “We’re a football family.”

There is a list of motivations for UCLA ahead of this weekend’s rivalry game against USC. There are bowl-game implications and winning for the seniors and Foster in addition to the usual “Beat SC” talk.

Players are keeping their approach as simple as possible.

“When the game starts, it really comes down to when you’re out there, playing it like it’s your last play,” Schwesinger said. “You never know what it’s going to be. But for the guy next to you, for the seniors, for all that’s at stake – it’s making sure when you’re on the field you’re giving it your all.”

Injury updates

Receivers Rico Flores, Jr. and J.Michael Sturdivant appeared to be full participants in Tuesday morning’s practice, which was roughly 20 minutes longer than usual.

Offensive lineman Niki Prongos was not seen at practice. Foster said Monday that the staff will be monitoring his health to determine if he is able to return in time for Saturday’s game. Prongos was seen doing conditioning work outside of the weight room Monday evening at Wasserman Football Center.