UCLA vs. USC: What Effect This Game Has on the Pac-12 and Team Breakdown

The UCLA Bruins take on the USC Trojans this weekend in a game that could have major Pac-12 and BCS implications. 

While it is true that the USC in ineligible to compete in a bowl, UCLA has maintained its bowl eligibility. If the season were to end today, the Bruins would be competing in the Pac-12 championship game. 

Whether or not they will hold on to first place remains to be seen, however, the possibility alone adds intrigue to this weekend's game.

How This Game Affects UCLA

UCLA has the most to gain from a victory in this game. If the Bruins can find a way to win this game, they will secure the title of Pac-12 South Champions.

The Bruins home performances have been the key to helping them get in this position. UCLA has won all four of its Pac-12 home games this season. Away from home, Rick Neuheisal's squad is 1-4 in conference play.

Their single victory came against the Beavers of Oregon State.

Their fantastic home record has put the Bruins in a great position to win the Pac-12 South and advance to the Pac-12 Championship game. The only thing the Bruins have to do on Saturday is win.

However, against USC this is a lot to ask for. So what happens if the Bruins fall to the Trojans on Saturday? 

How This Game Affects Utah

The Utah Utes are the team that has the most to benefit from a UCLA loss. Utah currently sits behind UCLA with a 4-4 conference record. 

The Utes face the Buffalo of Colorado today in a game that should see Utah as victors.

A Utah victory puts all the pressure on the Bruins. If UCLA falls to USC and Utah beat Colorado, then the Utes will be representing the Pac-12 South in the conference championship game.

Although Colorado do not represent a formidable opponent, if they do find a way to come out victorious Utah's championship ambitions will be dead regardless of the UCLA vs. USC result.

How This Game Affects Arizona State

Arizona State would need a lot of luck to get into the Pac-12 Championship game, but it is not entirely impossible. 

First and foremost the Sun Devils need to beat the Golden Bears of California on Saturday. This is not a huge thing to ask as ASU has won five of its six home games so far this season. 

Utah needs to lose to Colorado. That's most likely not going to happen, but it could. The final bit of luck comes in the USC vs. UCLA game. 

For ASU to have a chance at the Pac-12 South title, USC needs to beat their Los Angeles rivals.

ASU and Utah will both be pulling for USC on Saturday when they host their crosstown rivals.  

Breaking Down UCLA

The UCLA Bruins have not been the best team in the Pac-12 South this season. That honor belongs to the USC Trojans.

Unfortunately, Lane Kiffin's side is ineligible for postseason play, so UCLA has found itself in a great position to win the Pac-12 South. 

The Bruins have been fantastic at home this season. Five of UCLA's six wins this season have been home victories.  Away from home the story has been completely different. The Bruins have lost four of their five away games this season. 

UCLA's strongest area has been its rushing game. Johnathan Franklin and Derrick Coleman have helped UCLA average 199.5 rushing yards per contest.

If UCLA have any hopes of beating the Trojans, they're going to have to get it done on the ground.  

Breaking Down USC

The USC Trojans are 9-2 on the season. It's fair to say that they would be BCS ranked if they were eligible. 

Their most recent win came against the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. USC has suffered one defeat at home, and it was to the Stanford Cardinal in overtime. 

The Trojans' strength this season has been their offense, more specifically their passing game. 

Matt Barkley has had an impressive season and USC boasts the nations 23rd best passing offense. The running game has chipped in as well, and USC scores an average of 34.5 points a game. 

USC is going to be fired up when they host UCLA on Saturday, and it is very difficult to imagine the Bruins coming away with a victory.