Micah's expectations for the Trojans versus UCLA

The USC Trojans have a matchup versus rival UCLA on Saturday. These teams are heading in two different directions. One team is trying to finish the season strong and get to 9-3, while the other team is just ready to get to the 2026 season. The score will reflect that, as many Trojans will dominate in this game.

Here are my Week 14 expectations for the USC Trojans match versus rival UCLA Bruins:

Jayden Maiava will have an elite first half

To start the season, the Trojans were blowing out teams, and quarterback Jayden Maiava put together elite first-half performances, but then he was done for the game in the second half. I think that will be the case. I can see Maiava throwing for almost 300 yards early, and this Trojan offense getting off to an explosive start. This has been a great season for USC, especially on the offensive end, as they have just been unstoppable all year. I think the Trojans will finish up strong with one last prolific offense outing, and it will be led by Jayden Maiava's performance early.

King Miller and run game will bounce back

Last week, the Oregon Ducks ran all over the Trojans and stopped the Trojans' run game right in its tracks. It will be a different story Saturday as King Miller will have a big day on the ground, mostly coming in the first half. The Bruins have become a shell of themselves over the past few weeks. Even when they were playing well, their defense was still suspect. Saturday, I think Miller will run for his highest rushing output this season. He is a tough, explosive runner, and I think he can break off a couple of big runs. I would not be surprised if King Miller got close to running for 200 yards in this game.

The Trojans will show off their future at quarterback

With Jayden Maiava being done in this game early, I think Husan Longstreet will get enough reps to show fans and college football what the future at USC looks like. Husan Longstreet has a chance to be a lethal dual-threat quarterback, and I think he will showcase that by finding the endzone with his legs and through the air. Maiava was great this season, but a player with Longstreet's ceiling just opens the door for more excitement. It will be fun to watch Husan Longstreet, and in his little sample size, I believe he will give the fans exactly what they want to see at the end of a great USC Trojans offensive day.

Trojans' defense will get after UCLA's quarterback

It has been tough sledding for the Bruins this season, especially at quarterback. Nico Iamaleava was brought in to take this offense to the next level, and instead, he has had an up-and-down season with more downs than anything. If he did not have that nice stretch of games, after DeShaun Foster got fired, this season would have been a true disaster for him. Another big reason for the Bruins' lack of success has been their poor offensive line play. Nico has been sacked at a consistent rate all season. The Trojans at one point were the top team in terms of sacks, and they have the ability to wreck their opponents' backfield. This match-up will be one that highlights that notion. I think the Trojans will get home a lot and finish with at least 4 sacks in this game. Whether it is Nico or Luke Duncan, they will feel the Trojans' presence as they drop back.

Kennedy Urlacher will get another interception

Former Notre Dame hybrid defensive player and son of Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, Kennedy Urlacher, will shine once again versus UCLA. Kennedy Urlacher was one of the bright spots against Oregon, hauling in an interception over Dante Moore Jr. With both safeties out due to injury last week, Kennedy Urlacher did his best to fill the void. I think Urlacher will do it once again and display that he should be one of the priorities on this defense for next season. I think he will get an interception again, while making many other plays and enter next season with great momentum.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Bold predictions for USC football versus UCLA on rivalry weekend