Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 South games of 2017

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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans eludes the rush from defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley #98 and defensive lineman Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during a 36-14 Trojan win at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. UCLA at USC (Nov. 18)

The UCLA-USC rivalry game also stands as potentially the biggest game in the Pac-12 South. The 2012 and 2015 matchups decided the South representative for the Pac-12 championship game. UCLA defeated USC 38-28 in 2012 to advance to the game, while USC defeated UCLA 40-21 in 2015 to advance to the Pac-12 championship game.

The Bruins are considered a darkhorse candidate in the Pac-12 South, while the Trojans are the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 South. UCLA should bounce back from a 4-8 season with quarterback Josh Rosen’s return and a new offensive coordinator, Jedd Fisch.

Meanwhile, USC’s offense is led by Heisman frontrunner Sam Darnold. Rosen is probably the second-best quarterback in the South division just behind Darnold, which means UCLA can’t be counted out of this game.

Next: 5 most important Pac-12 non-conference games in 2017

The Bruins’ defense isn’t as strong as the Trojans’ defense on paper. However, the UCLA defense is among the upper half of the conference. With Jim Mora on the hot seat and having lost two straight in this rivalry, he has extra motivation to leave with a win.

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Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 South games for 2017

By Erich Hilkert | Jul 17, 2017

1. UCLA at USC (Nov. 18)