Projected Stats for UCLA Playmakers Against USC

How the stats might shake out against USC
Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (2) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

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UCLA is hoping to end their season off with a bang against, intercity rival USC.

After losing four straight, the Bruins are looking to bounce back against a pretty tough No. 19 USC team. UCLA has struggled offensively during this span; however, we might see a Jerry Neuheisel, now that the stakes for his job in the offseason are on the line.

Jalen Berger | RB

Berge
Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Jalen Berger (0) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Javin Wright (0) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Bruins' leading rusher this season, behind quarterback Nico Iamaleava, has been Jalen Berger. In what could be Berger's final game of his college career, he will surely make this one count.

On the season, Berger has rushed 74 times for 307 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In the passing game, Berger has also caught 10 passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

Berge
UCLA's Jalen Berger runs the ball against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

We saw in the Michigan State game just how explosive Berger can be. And after USC allowed Oregon’s Noah Whittington to rush for 104 yards and a touchdown last week, Berger should be in a position to make a real impact in this matchup.

Prediction vs USC: 13 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, 3 REC, 23 yards

Kwazi Gilmer | WR

Gilme
Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) runs the ball ahead of Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Donovan Jones (37) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Kwazi Gilmer has not been the No. 1 receiving threat Bruins fans hoped for this season. And while he still leads UCLA in all major receiving categories, his production has sputtered down the stretch.

This season, Gilmer has caught 40 passes for 462 yards, as well as three scores. In the last four games, Gilmer has only accumulated 93 yards on ten catches, with one touchdown.

Gilme
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Huskies at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Whoever is under center for the Bruins really needs to figure out how to get Gilmer involved. We have seen in past games this season how good Gilmer can be.

Prediction vs USC: 4 catches, 64 yards, one touchdown

Rico Flores Jr | WR

Flore
Oct 25, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) catches a pass along the sideline during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Rico Flores Jr has sneakily been the Bruins' top receiver since coming back from his injury against Northwestern earlier this season.

Flores, since coming back from injury, has posted 26 catches for 274 yards. Flores is still looking for his first score of the season; there is a good chance he gets one in this game.

Flore
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Rico Flores Jr. (1) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Huskies at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In the last four games for the Bruins, Flores Jr has led the team in receiving three times. With Gilmer's lack of production as of late, Flores has really been able to make an impact in the passing game.

Prediction vs USC: 5 catches, 67 yards, and one touchdown.

Jerr
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins assistant head coach Jerry Neuheisel watches a play against the Washington Huskies at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

If the Bruins are able to have a good offensive showing, the defense should be able to keep them in the game. Let's just hope Neuheisel has a few more tricks up his sleeve.

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Andrew L. Ferguson Jr.
ANDREW L. FERGUSON JR

Andrew Ferguson is currently pursuing his sports journalism degree from UNLV. He is turning his lifelong passion for sports into his career.