USC and UCLA meet as Big Ten foes

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Crosstown rivals fight for L.A. pride and chance at bowl game

UCLA running back T.J. Harden is tackled for a loss against USC in the first half Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. USC was looking for its sixth win of the season to become eligible for a bowl game, while UCLA needed to beat the Trojans and then win next week’s game to have a shot at an appearance in the postseason.

Defensive back Kaylin Moore of the UCLA Bruins breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Zachariah Branch of the USC Trojans in the first half Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Photos by Keith Birmingham — staff photographer

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USC and UCLA faced off at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night for the first time as Big Ten Conference opponents.

While there was no conference championship at stake, as has often been the case in past years, the teams were still fighting for L.A. pride and the chance to stay alive in their pursuit of playing in a bowl game.

USC was looking for its sixth win of the season to become bowl eligible, while UCLA needed to beat the Trojans and then win next week’s game to have a shot at a postseason appearance.

For coverage of the game, go to our website.