PERSONNEL NEWS

Strategy And Personnel

The Sports Xchange

November 12, 2018 at 10:42 pm.

GAME BREAKDOWN

KEY MATCHUP: USC’s rushing offense has been wildly inconsistent throughout the season, which continued against Cal. RB Aca’Cedric Ware gained 44 yards on a single play in the first half, but the Trojans’ inability to sustain a ground attack in the second half rendered the offense ineffective.

UCLA comes into Saturday’s matchup ranked No. 11 in the Pac-12 in rush defense, surrendering 215.5 yards per game. USC will have to establish its run game to gain an offensive rhythm.

DRAFT SLANT

–CB Iman Marshall’s combination of size and speed gained him plaudits as an NFL prospect from the moment he arrived at USC. At 6-foot-1, Marshall is USC’s best option to match up with UCLA’s leading pass-catcher, TE Caleb Wilson. UCLA’s other most prolific pass-catcher is Theo Howard, another assignment Marshall could draw on Saturday.

ROSTER REPORT:

–OT Chuma Edoga is questionable due to a knee injury.

–C Toa Lobendahn sustained an ankle injury against Cal, but coach Clay Helton said Lobendahn will start if available.

–RB Aca’Cedric Ware aggravated a shoulder injury against Cal. His status for Saturday is uncertain.

–WR Michael Pittman, who missed last week’s game with a shoulder injury, remains questionable.

–RB Vavae Malepeai injured his ankle vs. Cal and will be evaluated this week to determine his availability.

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