USC vs. UCLA matchups: Kedon Slovis faces a much-improved Bruins defense [Los Angeles Times]
Breaking down how No. 15 USC (4-0) and UCLA (3-2) match up heading into Saturday’s game at the Rose Bowl at 4:30 p.m. (TV: ABC; Radio: 570, 790)
Marquee matchupUSC quarterback Kedon Slovis vs. UCLA pass defense. As a freshman, Slovis unleashed fury on UCLA in his first iteration of the crosstown rivalry. His jaw-dropping 515-yard performance last season remains a career high, while his four scores were just surpassed for the first time last week. He’s unlikely to have such ample time to pick UCLA apart in his second meeting. With 18 sacks through five games, a resurgent Bruins defense boasts the conference’s best pass rush. Linebacker Caleb Johnson and defensive end Osa Odighizuwa have been a force, combining for 8 1/2 sacks a total that, on its own, surpasses seven other Pac-12 teams. That’s a difficult assignment for a USC offensive line that’s just returning to full stre