Students remain hopeful heading into the USC-UCLA game

Crosstown rivals USC and UCLA football teams are set to play at the Rose Bowl this Saturday. While the game is one of the most anticipated of the season, some say the timing of Thanksgiving could depress turnout.

Melissa Ramirez, a junior majoring in law, history and culture, does not believe the holiday will greatly impact the excitement surrounding the game given its crosstown nature.

“This is something that a lot of people just look forward to in the fall,” said Melissa Ramirez, a Los Angeles local. “This is such a location-based rivalry — a lot of families are from around here — so I don’t really think [the break will affect attendance] but that’s at least what I’m hoping.”

Aseem Singeru, a junior majoring in economics and data science and a member of the Trojan Knights, has been participating in Tommy Watch leading up to the game. He said the importance of the rivalry was likely to keep the stadium full.

“I’m pretty optimistic that this is one of those few games where we’ll have a lot of people show up if people are not flying out early already,” Singeru said. “It’s the Rose Bowl and it’s very iconic. It’s our most important rivalry as a school.”

Going into the game, the Trojans and Bruins each have three wins and five losses in Big Ten play, keeping hopes muted going into the game.

Annie Ramirez, a freshman majoring in business administration, said she felt hopeful but was worried by the Trojan’s season so far.

“I’m not feeling too strong but my hopes are up,” she said. “We have a lot of losses. So [I’m] getting a little nervous, but I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Annie Ramirez said she plans to go to the game, but many of her friends have already left campus early for Thanksgiving break.

Zach Eggleton, a member of the Trojan Marching Band and sophomore majoring in biological sciences and environmental science, said he was optimistic about the Trojans odds of victory, especially given the Bruins early season losses.

Eggleton also said he was excited for the band’s activities related to the game — anti-UCLA songs and avoiding the color blue during the week — regardless of the outcome.

“I know last year [was] a little rough with the loss of a home game, but I think this year will be cool because I get to travel down to the Rose Bowl, which will be fun,” Eggleton said.

Eggleton was not the only one to find enjoyment outside of the game outcome itself. Melissa Ramirez said in the lead up to the game she has gotten into rivalry trash talking and said she hopes the Trojans win.

“I have friends from high school that go to UCLA and I’ve been posting ‘fucla’ stuff,” she said. “Fingers crossed [USC wins] if not, that’s going to be really embarrassing. I will have to delete my social media presence for at least a year.”

The Helenes and Trojan Knights have also continued their traditional watch over Tommy Trojan and Hecuba leading up to the game. Earlier in the week the University had prevented either group from staying overnight to guard the statues after campus protests last spring before granting an exception for both groups Tuesday.

The Helenes ultimately decided not to stay overnight after calling out the University’s “double standard.”

Eggleton said the changes to campus security since last year — identification checks and gates at all campus entrances — meant there was less anticipation of a Bruin prank related to the statues.

“I think that’s just different with the campus security. I don’t think they have as much of an opportunity to [prank the statues],” Eggleton said. “Or that could be because it’s not a USC home game.”

By the end of the week, members of both groups expressed excitement going into the game.

“It’s still a classic rivalry that I feel like people are still going to get excited no matter what,” said Brenda Sampayo, a member of the Helenes. “I went my sophomore year and it was really fun, so I’m excited to go again.”

Despite not being able to get tickets himself, Singeru said he would be watching the game on television and wanted to see the Trojans win to finish off a week of guarding Tommy Trojan.

“I know and I hope that they’re going to bring everything they can and bring the victory bell back,” he said. “Yeah, we’ve had a 5-5 season, but this is that one game that matters regardless.”

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Bowl and is airing on NBC.