UCLA Opponent Preview: USC Offense

UCLA is gearing up for its biggest game of the season when it hosts USC. Let's take a look at the Trojans' offense.

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Elijah Jeudy (16) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

It's rivalry week for UCLA, a team looking to bounce back from a loss and make one final push for a bowl game.

It will host USC on Saturday, the Bruins' greatest rivals.

For UCLA, it will be another yet another test for its defense, as the Trojans present a very tough matchup with their offense.

Let's take a look at this unit.

USC ranks fifth in the Big Ten in total offense, averaging 438.1 yards per game. It ranks 31st in the nation.

For most of the season, the unit had been led quarterback Miller Moss, who ranks second in the conference in passing yards per game with 283.9. But Moss was benched going into the Trojans' most recent meeting with Nebraska, and instead, transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava got the start.

Maiava threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns in the Trojans' win over the Huskers. He was 25-of-35 on his passes.

UCLA will have to prepare for either quarterback this week -- each one presents a challenge.

The Trojans thrive in the air, ranking second in the Big Ten in passing with 288.0 passing yards per game. Despite this, they don't have a specific receiver who even ranks in the top 20 in the conference in receiving yards per game. The closest is Makai Lemon, who ranks 22nd with just a 51.4 average.

On the ground, USC ranks ninth in the conference with 150.1 rushing yards per game. That effort has been led by Trojans running back Woody Marks, who ranks third in the conference in rushing yards per game with 102.4.

Marks will undoubtedly be this offense's most prominent threat.

USC's offense has been on a roll as of late, having put up at least 440 yards in each of its last three contests.

Fortunately for the Bruins, they have allowed an average of less than 300 yards in its last three. UCLA is playing its best defense of the season -- even in the loss to Washington, it came away with two interceptions.

There's no doubt the Bruins will have to have their best defensive outing of the season on Saturday.

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