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UCLA's Pac-12 South Division title hopes got big boost from crosstown rival USC's win over Utah

LOS ANGELES – The aftershocks from USC’s 42-24 win over previously unbeaten Utah on Saturday night at the Coliseum could be felt two days later across town.

“We were watching the game pretty intently,” UCLA receiver Thomas Duarte said.

The Utes’ first loss propelled UCLA back into serious contention in the Pac-12 South.

At 2-2, the Bruins sit one game back of Utah, which fell to 3-1 in the conference.

Asked Monday if they had a rooting interest in the game, Duarte carried a coy grin.

“I'm not going to say that much,” he said, “but the winning team was the team we wanted to win.