UCLA Football: Bruins primed to gain significant ground on USC

For two years, Clay Helton’s impending dismissal as the head coach of the USC Trojans has been the worst kept secret in college football. As UCLA football fans watch on in amusement, the USC brass has now, finally, put an end to the speculation and relieved the now-former head coach of his duties.

Of course, the speculation as to who would be the best fit at the helm moving forward is at the forefront of national discourse. But there’s one storyline subtly skirting just under the radar. Who really runs L.A., and further still, who is set up for dominance in the Pac-12 moving forward? Could it be the Bruins?

While USC officials were trying to make up their minds, the Trojans posted the No. 64 recruiting class in the country in 2020. Star players fled the state, opting to play for other national powers rather than a school that was once seen as one of the flagship programs in the nation.

Up-and-coming high school players don’t remember the glory days of USC. They skew much more closely to the present. And that’s where the case for UCLA football gets interesting. As their crosstown rivals prep for a fresh start, UCLA sits at 2-0 with a convincing win over No. 16 LSU.

ESPN FPI projects UCLA to be favored in eight of their remaining 10 games, including a Nov. 20 matchup against USC. Should the Bruins find a way to upset No. 4 Oregon — they get the Ducks at home — or Utah, they’d have a bonafide shot at winning the Pac-12 South, and possibly the conference as a whole.

USC has been borderline irrelevant for too long. UCLA has assembled the makings of a great young core and is on its ascent as USC continues its purgatory. Even if the Trojans find the “right” fit, could it be too late? The Trojans had their run. If UCLA can close out 2021 strong, it could be the Bruins’ turn to lead the pack.