USC-UCLA: Assessing the crucial matchups The Pac-12 Conference South Division and a berth in the Pac-12 title game are on the line in the 82nd football meeting between rivals USC and UCLA. Staff writer Gary Klein examines the game's matchups and story lines: Marquee matchup For the first time in years, USC and UCLA both have star quarterbacks. USC's Matt Barkley has a history of success against the Bruins: He has passed for 827 yards and eight touchdowns in three victories. However, Barkley is coming off a three-interception game against Arizona State. He has passed for 33 touchdowns, with 13 interceptions, this year. Redshirt freshman Brett Hundley is running UCLA's spread offense with savvy that belies his experience. Hundley ranks 19th nationally in total offense. He has passed for 24 touchdowns, with nine interceptions. He also has rushed for six touchdowns. In the last three games, Hundley has completed 77% of his passes, 10 for touchdowns, with two interceptions. Catching on USC sophomore Marqise Lee is a Biletnikoff Award finalist and is making a serious push for Heisman Trophy consideration. Lee has averaged 223 all-purpose yards and nearly 10 receptions and 145 yards receiving per game. He is averaging 29.4 yards per kickoff return and has caught 10 or more passes and amassed more than 100 receiving yards seven times this season. Last year, he had 13 receptions against the Bruins. Junior Robert Woods, who had 12 catches last season against UCLA, has 61 receptions. Freshman Nelson Agholor also is a deep threat. Shaquelle Evans has a team-best 39 catches for UCLA. Both teams have outstanding tight ends capable of lining up as wideouts. UCLA's 6-foot-7, 255-pound Joseph Fauria has 31 receptions, nine for touchdowns. USC's Xavier Grimble has five touchdown catches, Randall Telfer three. Running backs UCLA senior Johnathan Franklin is the nation's sixth-leading rusher, averaging 127 yards a game. The former Dorsey High standout has run for eight touchdowns and has caught two touchdown passes. Junior Damien Thigpen, who averages 5.1 yards per carry, is expected to return after sitting out against Washington State because of a sprained knee. He averages 26.9 yards per kickoff return and also has 17 receptions, two for touchdowns. USC senior Curtis McNeal rushed for a season-high 163 yards and two touchdowns in 31 carries, and also turned a screen pass into a touchdown against Arizona State. Junior Silas Redd, who has rushed for a team-high 732 yards, sat out against Arizona State because of an undisclosed injury. He practiced this week. Getting defensive The Trojans and Bruins are tied for fourth nationally with 37 sacks.