As USC was in Washington re-establishing itself as a first-rate program, UCLA was playing an atrocious game against Oregon State in a half-empty Rose Bowl.
UCLA had lost its previous four games. Oregon State had too.
The disparity between UCLA and USC should heighten an already-existing sentiment for the Bruins in their annual rivalry game against the Trojans.
Unlikely as it might be, the Bruins have to win.
They have to win to give themselves and their loyal supporters a moment of glory in a season absent of highlights.