On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles hosted the first of two potential national championship previews, with No. 6 Notre Dame earning the statement win over No. 3 USC, 74-61. On Sunday afternoon, No. 1 South Carolina, the defending national champs who have won 43-straight games, visit No. 5 UCLA for the second Southern California showdown (4 p.m. ET, FS1).
It’s the toughest test yet for the Gamecocks. Although an undefeated 5-0 with an average margin of victory of 27 points per game, South Carolina has yet to feel as dominant as last season’s squad, with somewhat slow starts plaguing the Gamecocks through the season’s early going. Also unbeaten, UCLA persevered for victory in the season’s opener over Louisville. Since then, the Bruins have cruised against overmatched opponents, most recently ringing up 101 points as they trounced Arkansas.
Here are three areas of the game that could determine the course of the contest, including if UCLA can pull off the upset:
Can Betts and the Bruins own the glass?
More than most challengers, the Bruins are equipped to go toe-to-toe with the Gamecocks. The size and athleticism of South Carolina usually overwhelms opponents; UCLA, in contrast, also has roster with those traits. In fact, they might have the advantage. Last season,…
