LOS ANGELES (AP) Although UCLA loathes acknowledging the success of crosstown rival Southern California, the Bruins will gladly accept the benefits of the Trojans' 42-24 win over Utah last weekend.
The Utes' loss puts the Pac-12 South back in play, something UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte knew as he was watching the game. Duarte wouldn't admit to rooting for USC, but was pleased with the outcome.
''I'm not going to say that much, but the winning team was the team we wanted to win,'' Duarte said.
No. 24 UCLA (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) would now claim the division title and a berth in the conference championship game by winning its final five games, including a Nov.