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USC Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

By Andrew Miller

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Deontay Burnett #80 of the USC Trojans scores a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Deontay Burnett #80 of the USC Trojans scores a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 19: The USC Trojans take to the field to face the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – NOVEMBER 19: The USC Trojans take to the field to face the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The final game of the regular season is here, and USC gets to continue their winning streak against their in-state rival UCLA. It’s also the first time that Sam Darnold gets to face UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, who finally stayed healthy through one full season.

Rosen led the Bruins to seven wins so far and legitimately has a chance to beat USC. However, Darnold is motivated to show that he is the best quarterback not only in the state of California, but in the entire country. With 36 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions, Darnold is the odds on favorite to win the Heisman.

And Ronald Jones II now has 1,085 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and has a chance to win some hardware as well. Jones II finally proved that he is among the best running backs in college football.

Related Story: Where Ronald Jones ranks among the top running backs

Rosen and Darnold trade off two first half passing touchdowns. Michael Pittman Jr. and Steven Mitchell Jr. each haul in one touchdown catch. Yet, Marvin Tell gets a huge interception return for a touchdown before halftime that vies USC a 21-17 lead.

Jones II hauls in a touchdown catch from Darnold to give USC a 28-17 lead. Yet, Darnold tosses one interception that gives UCLA a chance to get back into the game in the fourth quarter. UCLA only comes up with a field goal, though.

A fourth quarter field goal from Michael Brown ends up sealing the game for the Trojans and their victorious in the final game of the regular season and lock up a trip to the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Final Score: USC 31, UCLA 20 (11-1, 8-1 PAC-12)

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