USC Trojans Football: 2 Key Defensive Backs Out Saturday vs Cal

Though they both traveled with the team, safety Max Williams and cornerback Jacobe Covington will not be suiting up. 

The good news is that Cal is still searching for its true starting quarterback. The team will have Fernando Mendoza start for the third straight game. Mendoza is starting to gain his footing, as he threw 2 TD passes in the Bears' last two outings. 

That's not to say Mendoza will be as successful against the Trojans, but he did manage two of those TDs against Utah. Utah was able to stop Caleb Williams from logging a touchdown last Saturday. 

The Trojans still have Domani Jackson and Calen Bullock to lean on. 

Both teams will be vying for a win for many reasons. A win for USC could signal they are past their losing woes and are ready to enter back into the playoff conversation. A terrific performance and win from Mendoza and Cal could mean the team has finally found their true starter. 

Even more is the deep rivalry that both teams have with one another. This game will be the final time they will meet. The Trojans are off to the Big Ten, and Cal will head to the ACC. This historic rivalry will end today, with one team having bragging rights for a long time.

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