Speaking in front of a large scrum of reporters and cameras Monday morning, the six UCLA players chose their words carefully. Junior wide receiver Jordan Payton would not refer to Saturday’s adversary by name, instead calling them “our opponent.” Junior cornerback Ishmael Adams downplayed the significance of the upcoming game, responding to a question about bragging rights with: “sure.” Redshirt sophomore running back Paul Perkins likened the importance of this week’s game to that of any other Pac-12 matchup. Read more...

Photo: Then-sophomore cornerback Ishmael Adams hurdles a USC defender on a kick return last year during the rivalry game. (Daily Bruin file photo)

Brett Hundley’s trip started at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning. He was headed from his home state of Arizona to the Rose Bowl for an event that he has participated in for the last three years. Read more...

Photo: Redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley attended the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles’ 5k walk/run for the third straight year to continue his mission to end epilepsy, which affects his sister, Paris Hundley. (Max Himmelrich/Daily Bruin)

As it turns out, being the Bruins’ go-to back comes with some drawbacks. Through the first 10 games of the 2013 season, redshirt sophomore Paul Perkins touched the ball 131 times. Read more...

Photo: Running back Paul Perkins said he is happy to have a bye week this week to rest and recharge. The redshirt sophomore has seen a spike in his workload this year as he has emerged as UCLA’s go-to back. (Austin Yu/Daily Bruin senior staff)