All week this week I have read so many articles, snippets and such about the USC-ucla game that the anticipation built up is scary. It has happened in the past where some game that I have anticipated so much for so long has turned out to be a pathetic, one-sided affair, usually against my favorite team.

So I am trying hard to not read much about it and not follow the ESPN Sportscenter ‘USC Chasing History’ reports from Shelley Smith. But it is hard. All the sports websites I follow are talking about the Hollywood clash, the last win before Rose Bowl and similar stories.

I am keeping my fingers crossed because it is a rivalrly game. Anything can happen. Form does not matter. The Vegas line does not matter. It is a question of nerves and handling pressure situations.

Leinart is certainly playing his last game at the Coliseum. Besides, it is his last regular season game. It is of course the biggest game on the USC calendar. Reggie Bush may be playing his last regular season game and the last game at the Coliseum too. Besides, he has the added pressure of sealing his Heisman trophy. It is Seniors day and there will be others on the team feeling the nerves. USC has all the pressure - so many streaks on the line… current win streak, win streak at home, win streak in Pac-10, #1 ranking, etc.

On the other hand, ucla has practically nothing to lose. I mean, being underdogs by 3 touchdowns means they actually can go out there, and lose by that much and it won’t be a surprise. It will actually serve as a motivation for the team to play hard and make a point. They would of course like to be called the team that finally defeated the Trojans. Without all the pressure.

The stage is set for an upset. Will it happen? Will have to wait till 4pm tomorrow to find out.

Meanwhile, fingers crossed and no predictions made.