Rivalry Strikes Again

Although most of Troy doesn't look at this as just another game, Tim Floyd is trying to maintain a sense of normality around the basketball program. He's got a daunting task this week thanks to a depleted roster and a bitter UCLA coming into the Galen Center. If you thought the Bruins' home loss to USC and last weekend's loss to Washington weren'tt enough motivation, wait until you read tomorrow's paper.

Speaking of reading the paper, LA Times reporter Ben Bolch sat down for another insightful podcast. Listen as he breaks down what you need to know about this weekend's big rivalry:

Also in store for Sunday's showdown:

• The Trojans are rallying behind a "Black Out the Bruins" promotion. Coach Tim Floyd is encouraging fans to show their support by wearing -- you guessed it -- black.
• The first 1,000 students at the game will also get a free Nike iD T-shirt. Black, of course.
• Three USC alumni will be featured guests: Nick Young (now playing for the Washington Wizards), Will Ferrell (most famous as an intern at Heritage Hall) and Tyler Murphy (2001 hoops letterman who is in "Semi-Pro," Ferrell's new movie).
• There's a new art exhibit in the Galen Center lobby featuring work from USC student-athletes. We'll have more on that tomorrow.

Comments

[Tiger the Cat]

FYI: My inside sources tell me that USC will be taking the court Sunday wearing black jerseys to complete the blackout.