Episode 233: USC vs. UCLA Preview

Reign of Troy Radio returns with a full episode to preview the Trojans' rivalry game against UCLA in the Coliseum.

• Michael and Alicia take a look at the latest news around USC, including the injury situation trending positive and the Trojans' playoff hopes dwindling.
• Rankings can be complicated and the College Football Playoff rankings in particular don't always play by the conventional rules. The RoT Crew spend some time breaking down this week's Top 25 and USC's place in it. Is it fair that Ohio State and Penn State jumped the Trojans? What would it take for USC to get in?
• Looking at USC's upcoming matchup with UCLA, how much does the "Rosen vs. Darnold" narrative actually matter? What are Josh Rosen's strengths and weaknesses?
• UCLA's defensive statistics are stunningly bad. Michael and Alicia run down all the numbers.
• As always, the two set their Over/Unders for the game and give their predictions.
• USC's basketball team is 2-0, but Monday's game against North Dakota State was far from impressive. What's the deal?
• This week's mailbag includes questions on evaluating the season as a whole, Clay Helton's first two years and the idea of resting starters against UCLA.

Listeners won't have to wait long for a new episode with the RoT Crew. Michael and Alicia will join the guys of the What's Bruin show for a Crosstown Podcast. Then, following the game, there will be a Carcast from the Coliseum as usual.

Don't forget that you can get involved with the show by calling the Reign of Troy Rant/Rave Line before, during or after the game on Saturday to leave your reactions, questions and comments. The show can also be reached via email to reignoftroy@fansided.com.