SB Nation Los Angeles: All Posts by Josie Beckerhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2012-12-20T10:09:32-08:00https://losangeles.sbnation.com/authors/josie-becker/rss2012-12-20T10:09:32-08:002012-12-20T10:09:32-08:00Nike unveils Kobe Bryant's Christmas shoe colorway
<figure>
<img alt="Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe 8 System shoe debuting on Christmas Day. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ahg89UQdGGGpzuahDJU7hpoSm8I=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5344813/kobe_8_system_xmas_colorway_original.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe 8 System shoe debuting on Christmas Day. | Nike, Inc</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kobe Bryant comes out with his eighth design with Nike, to debut on Christmas Day</p> <p><span>Kobe Bryant's</span> latest Nike shoe design has gone with a snake theme to match his black mamba nickname. The Nike Kobe 8 System is the eighth shoe that has been designed for Kobe under the Nike umbrella and comes out today with a black and sulfur colorway. (<a href="http://www.nicekicks.com/2012/12/nike-kobe-8-system-performance-review/" target="_blank">link</a>)</p>
<p>The shoe, made with an engineered mesh, comes in at 9.6 ounces. The holiday colorway, which Kobe will wear with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a>' all white Christmas Day uniforms, takes its inspiration from a rhinoceros viper with bright red, yellow, and blue-green diamond scales. (<a href="http://nikeinc.com/news/tis-the-season-for-festive-nike-basketball-signature-footwear#/inline/16340" target="_blank">link</a>)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1904361/KOBE_8_SYSTEM_detail-1_original.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Kobe_8_system_detail-1_original_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1904361/KOBE_8_SYSTEM_detail-1_original_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1356026877605"></p>
<p>Nike compares the colorful snakeskin pattern to a Christmas garland - but don't get too close! Perhaps Kobe's most notorious Christmas Day shoe was the Grinch green colorway he's been wearing these past two years. This special colorway will hit stores on December 26th.</p>
<p>Outside of the lightweight engineered mesh, the shoe features a Lunarlon midsole for cushioning which is supposed to be soft but responsive. The sole features tactile traction, which gives great grip on the hardwood but not the best in an outdoor setting. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/20/3788766/nike-unveils-kobe-bryants-christmas-shoe-colorwayJosie Becker2012-12-11T15:48:23-08:002012-12-11T15:48:23-08:00MLS Combine calls in four players from LA Colleges
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i0aleAbu_CVOX_sMkYPDOlMgNFA=/167x0:926x506/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4821315/2013_combine_logo.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>MLSsoccer.com</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two players from UCLA, one from CSU Northridge and one from UC Santa Barbara, plus a number of LA area natives will have a chance to be selected in next year's MLS draft. </p> <p>MLS announced today the 54 college senior soccer players invited to the MLS Combine to take place in Fort Lauderdale, FL January 11th through 15th.</p>
<p>The UCLA Bruins had two players called into the combine; Ryan Hollingshead and Fernando Monge, both midfielders/forwards. Cal State Northridge defender Joe Franco and UC Santa Barbara midfielder Machael David were also called into the combine. </p>
<p>Outside of the local schools, there were also a number of local players called in. Los Angeles native Carlos Alvarez, a midfielders at UConn, Jose Gomez a midfielder at Creighton University from Santa Ana, and Kory Kindle a defender/midfielder at Cal State Bakersfield from Ventura all got called into the MLS combine. Northridge's Franco is also a local product, growing up in Monrovia. </p>
<p>Santa Ana's Jose Gomez was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, given annually to college soccer's best male and female player. He's considered a creative attacking midfielder, and was the Missouri Valley Conference's player of the year starting every game and leading the Bluejays to the NCAA College Cup semifinal. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/11/3756526/mls-combine-calls-in-four-players-from-la-local-collegesJosie Becker2012-12-01T09:42:54-08:002012-12-01T09:42:54-08:00LA Galaxy stars on verge of another star
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/92T30-ZF3ifImftAQKPX2kuIScs=/0x0:997x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4227293/133850340.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Victor Decolongon</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When the LA Galaxy take on the Houston Dynamo this afternoon, it's likely one of their goals will come from the combination of Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. </p> <p>When the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> take on the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> this afternoon, it's likely one of their goals will come from the combination of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Donovan</a> and Robbie Keane. The two of them hooked up last MLS Cup to score the match's only goal. They've continued on this season proving to be one of the best pairings in MLS.</p>
<p>Nine of <span>Robbie Keane's</span> sixteen goals were assisted by Landon Donovan. Donovan only had five assists to players without the name Keane on their back. Not surprisingly, Keane was quite complementary when asked to talk about teaming up with Donovan.</p>
<p>"You can see the way the two of us link up and we’re [always] on the same wavelength. That makes it very easy to play together...Certainly most of my goals this year come down to Landon. He’s a great player and I’m very very lucky to play alongside him."</p>
<p>Keane has had some great strike partners and no. 10's in his career, so when he says Donovan is a great player it comes as high praise. Dom Kinnear at yesterday's press conference called Donovan the greatest soccer player America has produced, and he's not alone in that sentiment.</p>
<p><span>David Beckham</span> playing his final match with the Galaxy has gotten enough ink this week to fill the LA River, but as far as on the pitch matters are concerned Beckham hasn't had near the impact those two have. He's only hit one of twenty nine open play crosses in the playoffs, and three of thirty five since his ankle injury on September 1st.</p>
<p>Wherever Beckham does end up going, hopefully they give him the proper amount of time off to heal. He still has the skill to hit players from wherever he is on the pitch, but at his age that's going to be more and more difficult unless he's at full health.</p>
<p>Beckham shall never be forgotten in LA, but it's Donovan and Keane who have been the engines driving this train. Hopefully this afternoon it will reach it's final stop; a second straight MLS Cup.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/1/3714658/mls-cup-2012-donovan-and-keane-have-la-galaxy-on-verge-of-another-starJosie Becker2012-12-01T05:01:37-08:002012-12-01T05:01:37-08:00LA Galaxy have tough battle with Houston Dynamo
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pcuX95MrbJAc8pWxDMFLaDKJ1BI=/0x160:4000x2827/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4195237/157159294.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is plenty on the line in this afternoon kickoff with the Galaxy looking for their fourth championship and Houston for their third.</p> <p>Today the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> will take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> inside The Home Depot Center in MLS Cup 2012. There is plenty on the line in this afternoon kickoff with the Galaxy looking for their fourth championship and Houston for their third. It'll be <span>David Beckham's</span> last match in MLS, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> is doing some mulling about his future as well.</p>
<p>It's an important step for the young league. This is the first year that the championship is hosted by the team with the better regular season finish, like how things are done in Pac12 football, instead of a neutral site game like the NFL does. The idea behind originally making it a neutral site game was that you can turn it into an event and drum up interest in the various MLS communities with two top teams.</p>
<p>Now things have reached a point where MLS believes there are enough hardcore fans to sell out a championship in two weeks. Galaxy fans have proven MLS right, as temporary bleachers have been set up in The Home Depot Center to meet demand. The mayor of Carson even issued a (awkwardly worded) proclamation commemorating the event.</p>
<p>So if you're an LA sports fan and you haven't been watching the Galaxy all season but love local championships, here are some things to look for. The LA Galaxy are an excellent ball control team, using efficient passing and clean dribbling to win the battle in the midfield.</p>
<p>Once they get up top they've got <span>Robbie Keane</span>, Galaxy golden boot winner and one of the best goal scorers in MLS. Landon Donovan has played up top with Keane but also in the midfield with David Beckham. <span>Omar Gonzalez</span> returned at midseason and since then the Galaxy defense has looked in ship shape.</p>
<p>We'll have a lot more to say after the match, but LA has an opportunity to continue to write soccer's legacy in America. It's going to be great theater, and I highly recommend tuning in.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/12/1/3712478/mls-cup-2012-la-galaxy-houston-dynamo-previewJosie Becker2012-11-13T14:58:48-08:002012-11-13T14:58:48-08:00Lakers Christmas jerseys officially unveiled
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u8BBs2Aj4C7snq0YXq9otIj_xjw=/0x68:490x395/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3217185/136107648.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lisa Blumenfeld</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Lakers will be wearing an all white jersey this Christmas. Past Christmas Day jerseys simply featured a snowflake patch.</p> <p>The NBA and adidas today officially unveiled their 2012 Christmas Day uniforms to be worn in the series of games to be played on Christmas Day. Two changes from what was reported earlier: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> were not featured in this release though they did have an all red uniform in the video game stills, and the press release makes no mention of these becoming weekend uniforms throughout the second half of the season. </p>
<p>Whether or not these are a one off is yet to be seen, but we do have an official image of what the Laker Christmas uniform will look like. It's all white, with only outlines to suggest letters and numbers. Perhaps this is to suggest that famous LA snow we hear so much about. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1298735/8180892275_c213b02d36_o.jpg"><img width="300" alt="8180892275_c213b02d36_o_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1298735/8180892275_c213b02d36_o_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8180892275_c213b02d36_o.jpg">farm9.staticflickr.com</a></p>
<p>Experience tells us that those numbers are going to be unreadable once the action gets going, though luckily NBA announcers are court side where they can make out faces. It's going to be quite awful for the reporters in the upper press box at Staples Center, however. </p>
<p>Still, it's not a bad looking fashion jersey. Certainly it'll be a hot seller over the holiday season. It's just not very practical, as a piece of uniform equipment. </p>
<p>From a different angle, it kind of looks like a white tank top (popularly known as wife beaters) with some numbers sewn on. So that's unfortunate. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/11/13/3642182/la-lakers-christmas-jerseys-adidas-nba-official-unveilJosie Becker2012-11-13T11:56:21-08:002012-11-13T11:56:21-08:00USC-UCLA Rivalry Week: Origins of the rivalry
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EPdaglVLIqifteJKMnKx8PFh8AA=/0x10:600x410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3206787/gyi0062704728.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Gross</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UCLA and USC have been playing football against each other since 1929. It's been one of the nation's fiercest rivalries ever since. </p> <p><b>Are the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins" class="sbn-auto-link">UCLA Bruins</a> the oldest rival of USC?</b></p>
<p>No. UCLA and USC have played 79 times with the Trojans leading the series 44-28-7. USC has played more games against Stanford (88), Notre Dame (82), and Cal (98). The two schools first played in 1929, with USC winning the first two games by such lopsided margins (76-0 and 52-0) that the series was suspended for five years. When the series resumed in 1936, the two teams played to a 7-7 tie. The Trojans aren't UCLA's longest played series either; because the teams stopped playing for five years while UCLA was still in the Pacific Coast Conference, California and Stanford have played more games against UCLA.</p>
<p><b>So what's with the Victory Bell? </b></p>
<p>When the Los Angeles Normal school became the University of California, Southern Branch it made history as the first multicampus university system in the nation. At 33 years old, Edward A. Dickson became UCLA's champion on the university system's governing board. In 1913 he had been named chairman of the California Railroad Commission. As a progressive Republican, he had worked on reducing the entrenched power of the Southern Pacific Railroad. As a regent and a Southern Californian, he championed the creation of the Southern Campus and it's growth over 43 years. He earned the moniker "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.firstcenturybook.com/excerpts/godfather-of-ucla.html">Godfather of UCLA</a>", and as best as I can tell this is why in 1939 the UCLA Alumni Association donated a 295 pound bell that used to sit atop a Southern Pacific Railroad locomotive to the UCLA student body.</p>
<p>UCLA students rang the bell after every point, much to the annoyance of USC students. So in 1941 six members of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trojanknights.org/history.html">USC Trojan Knights</a> snuck into the UCLA cheering section and helped load the bell into a truck bound for Westwood. While UCLA students were looking for the key, the Trojan Knights drove of with the bell. The USC students kept the bell hidden, but when it started showing up in USC magazines UCLA students retaliated by painting Tommy Trojans sparking a prank war between the two campuses. The campuses signed the Victory Bell Agreement in 1942 making it a traveling trophy for the annual football game in an effort to thwart any more pranks. USC paid $150 for it's share of the bell, and UCLA won the first Victory Bell game to return the bell to it's original home.</p>
<p><b>Did that stop the pranks?</b></p>
<p>No. In fact the most famous prank was still to come, when in 1958 UCLA students <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/21/sports/la-sp-1122-usc-ucla-rivalry-20111122">rented a helicopter</a> and dumped 500 pounds of manure onto Tommy Trojan. When USC students tell this story, the helicopter blades blew most of the manure back onto those sitting in the helicopter. The fact that UCLA students went to the extreme of renting a helicopter to get around the 24 guard of Tommy Trojan shows just how far things continued to escalate after the Victory Bell Agreement.</p>
<p><b>Was Traveler always the USC mascot? </b></p>
<p>USC has been known as the Trojans since 1912 for their fighting spirit in games against better equipped Cal and Stanford. The life size statue of Tommy Trojan on campus was erected in 1930 for the <a target="_blank" href="http://sait.usc.edu/parent/faq.asp">university's 50th anniversary</a>. However, Tommy Trojan hasn't always ridden a white horse.</p>
<p>Back in the 1940s, live mascots were more common than the costumed mascots of today. Cal used live California Grizzly Bears until 1941, and UCLA had a series of bear Cubs until the 1960s. USC has a mascot who stood up to both of them, a little stray dog known as George Tirebiter. He was found chasing cars on Trousdale Parkway which bisects the USC campus. Adopted as team mascot, he used to lead the band onto the field for USC football games. He became famous for biting one of UCLA's Joe Bruin cubs on the nose. George was eventually run over by one of the cars he used to love to chase.</p>
<p><b>How long did UCLA and USC share the Coliseum?</b></p>
<p>USC started playing football games in the Coliseum in 1923, and UCLA moved in five years later in 1928. UCLA stayed in the Coliseum until 1981, so that's 53 years that the teams shared the LA landmark. With the advent of television, the series became known for the two teams both wearing their colors in the annual game between the two schools.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/11/13/3640962/usc-ucla-rivalry-week-looking-at-the-rivalrys-originsJosie Becker2012-11-04T09:44:12-08:002012-11-04T09:44:12-08:00Giants host Steelers in emotional matchup
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QTV52nzd3fcoJH53iKETC8kAzRM=/0x12:600x412/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2639393/gyi0061361782.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Laham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CBS has the doubleheader this week, showing the much talked about Giants vs. Steelers tilt. Expect that to be as much about Hurricane Sandy as it will be about football, at least until the action picks up.</p> <p>CBS has the doubleheader this week, showing the much talked about Giants vs. Steelers tilt. Expect that to be as much about Hurricane Sandy as it will be about football, at least until the action picks up. Should that not be your cup of tea, Fox is broadcasting an encore of Liverpool vs. Newcastle in their afternoon slot. </p>
<p><b>CBS Early</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> (4-3) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (3-4)</b></p>
<p>Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf are on the call as <span>Peyton Manning's</span> team tries to keep their lead in the AFC West. Manning is 7-0 with 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions all time in Cincinnati. Peyton Manning on the season? 17 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Coincidence? You Only Live Twice, but the Broncos need to keep up pace lest the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> get their act back together. </p>
<p><b>CBS Late</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (4-3) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> (6-2)</b></p>
<p>Jim Nantz and Phil Simms call CBS' game of the week, which has probably been the most talked about game for reason that have nothing to do with football. After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, many were wondering if this game should have been switched to Pittsburgh. The New York marathon was postponed, the New York Red Bulls switched out a home match, but here we are. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/11/1/3586520/pittsburgh-steelers-vs-new-york-giants-betting-odds-picks" target="_blank">The Giants are field goal favorites</a>, and are predicted to cover in a tight one. A bit of Thunderball to help distract from the storm. </p>
<p><b>Fox Early</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> (4-4) @ <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> (5-3)</b></p>
<p>Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are in Green Bay to call Fox's main game. Even still, with six regional matchups to broadcast this one is only over the air in the Southwest (minus NorCal and Colorado who get <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>); Wisconsin and a series of counties along the Mississippi, and New England. The map is so Gerrymandered you'd think there were politics involved. The Cardinals last won in Green Bay way back in 1949 when they were the Chicago Cardinals. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/10/30/3576314/nfl-odds-week-9-packers-texans" target="_blank">Packers are big favorites</a>, expect them to kick The Living Daylights out of the Cardinals. </p>
<p><i>Keep your Goldeneye on all the action today, and use your Goldfinger to voice your comments. It's not For Your Eyes Only so be sure to share it on Facebook. </i></p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/11/4/3598906/nfl-week-9-television-scheduleJosie Becker2012-11-03T05:03:48-07:002012-11-03T05:03:48-07:00USC host Ducks, title game preview?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nUAQ0l3pKE-X_GMAhjByXeuOokI=/42x0:957x610/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2560489/133531339.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Dykes</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The USC Trojans host the Oregon Ducks, a meeting of two first place teams late in the Pac 12 season. Could this be a title game preview? </p> <p><b>(15) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a> 11 a.m. FX</b></p>
<p>Eric Crouch and Darius Walker will be part of the broadcast team for this one, as the Buffs are offered off as a sacrificial offering to yet another Pac 12 team. If Stanford can score 50 points before halftime, everyone gets a free pizza! </p>
<p><b>Washington State Cougars at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> 12:00 p.m. Pac-12 Network</b></p>
<p>Such amazing choices for Pac 12 fans in the early morning games. If you watched Cal vs. Washington last night, then by the point you should be awarded like a free skateboard or at least a free coffee. Do yourself a favor, take your kid to the park and just be sure to be back by four when...</p>
<p><b>(2) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> at (17) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> 4:00 p.m. FOX</b></p>
<p>This is the one you'll want to be in your seat for, especially with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Gus Johnson</a> on the call. The Trojans faced a major setback against Arizona last week, but an upset victory over the Ducks would save what has been somewhat of a disappointing season by USC standards. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a> at (13) Oregon State Beavers 7:30 p.m. ESPN2</b></p>
<p>This could actually be worth watching as well, as Oregon State tries to find its way again after losing to Washington. Arizona State played UCLA tough last week, and shouldn't be taken lightly.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a> 7:30 p.m. Pac-12 Network</b></p>
<p>This one should have some fireworks as well. The Wildcats are fresh off the victory over USC and now come into the Rose Bowl looking to take down another school above their station. The Bruins are planning to wearing all blue alternate uniforms, so that's interesting. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/11/3/3593912/pac-12-college-football-television-schedule-usc-uclaJosie Becker2012-10-27T05:01:35-07:002012-10-27T05:01:35-07:00Pac-12 football TV schedule: Bruins, Trojans on TV
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NR6-VKlhwfkpExEvc_yZ9aQiEL8=/71x0:3926x2570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2102973/154484484.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The USC Trojans heading out to the desert to take on Arizona is gonna be a good one, and so should be the UCLA Bruins up the road taking on the Sun Devils. </p> <p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a> (5-2) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-st-sun-devils">Arizona St. Sun Devils</a> (5-2) - 12:00 FX</b></p>
<p>Those who love Petros Papadakis are in for a treat, as he'll be on the sideline for this one. It's an important one for the Bruins, as the Devils are right about them in the Pac 12 South standings. Brett Huntley and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38186/johnathan-franklin">Johnathan Franklin</a> continue to lead the Bruin offense, with Franklin at 878 yards on the season the Pac 12's leading rusher. ASU's strength is it's defense, with Will Stutton averaging 8.5 sacks per game.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a> (1-6) at No. 2 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> (7-0) - 12:00 Pac 12 Networks</b></p>
<p>The moveable object meats the unstoppable force, as the Buffaloes prepare to be sacrificed to the undefeated Ducks. Is it even worth previewing? The Ducks are going to win. They will then be 8-0, for those of you who struggle with math.</p>
<p><b>No. 8 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> (6-1) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/arizona-wildcats">Arizona Wildcats</a> (4-3) - 12:30 ABC</b></p>
<p>Joe Tessitore is on the call in ABC's regional matchup of the day. Arizona's defense will be a challenge for the Trojans, led by Jordan McKnight. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> and Marquise Lee shouldn't have too much difficulty with the Wildcats, as USC looks to stay atop the Pac 12 South.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-st-cougars">Washington St. Cougars</a> (2-5) at No. 19 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> (5-2) - 3:15 Pac 12 Networks</b></p>
<p>Washington State's two wins are out of conference, against Eastern Washington and UNLV. Woo. Take those results away, and the Cougars only have scored 89 points on the season which actually looks better than Washington, Utah, and Colorado but that's not saying much. Those four teams are making up the back end of the Pac 12. This one should be over by halftime. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/california-golden-bears">California Golden Bears</a> (3-5) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> (2-5)- 6:45 Pac 12 Networks</b></p>
<p>With victories over Utah and Washington, Cal would be one game away from bowl eligibility. Of course, they then would have to beat either Oregon or Oregon St. for that sixth victory. That's a bit unlikely. So look for Cal to take care of things on the road, but don't look for anything that happens on this field to matter this year. And from what I can tell, in Los Angeles this one will only be available on tape delay? </p>
<p><b>No. 9 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-st-beavers">Oregon St. Beavers</a> (6-0) at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies">Washington Huskies</a> (3-4) - 7:15 Pac 12 Networks</b></p>
<p>Will the Beavers remain undefeated? Yes, yes they will. Go take your kids for pizza, why are you watching this?</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/10/27/3555772/pac-12-college-football-tv-schedule-usc-trojans-ucla-bruinsJosie Becker2012-10-22T05:10:09-07:002012-10-22T05:10:09-07:00All MLS Playoff Spots Locked Going Into Final Week
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bih1lu1oKyVLRh3Lyvdvi4WcSa8=/0x110:4000x2777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1789899/154537804.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Medina</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The biggest development this weekend was the San Jose Earthquakes clinching the MLS Supporter's Shield when Sporting Kansas City and the New York Red Bulls played to a nil-nil draw.</p> <p>The biggest development this weekend was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> clinching the MLS Supporter's Shield when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> played to a nil-nil draw. As Supporter's Shield winners, the Quakes will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs, including hosting MLS Cup should they make it to the championship.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> were able to manage a draw in San Jose this weekend, 2-2, their best result against the Earthquakes this season. However, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> were able to get a 3-1 victory over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> eliminating the north Texas MLS franchise from playoff contention. The Galaxy will host the Vancouver Whitecaps, who lost to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> over the weekend conceding the Cascadia Cup, in a one game playoff before the MLS quarterfinals begin. The winner of the play in game will face San Jose in a home and home series.</p>
<p>Over the Eastern Conference, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>, the New York Red Bulls, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> were also able to clinch playoff spots, D.C. with a 3-2 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a> which eliminated Columbus from playoff contention. Columbus' elimination secured the final two spots in the East for New York and Houston.</p>
<p>Ultimately, this means the last week of the season is mostly meaningless. The Sounders are currently in second place by virtue of Goals For, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> even with them on points. The East is much tighter, will all five spots still uncertain with D.C. United having a chance to take first from Sporting Kansas City.</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/la-galaxy/2012/10/22/3537462/major-league-soccer-2012-standings-playoff-spotsJosie Becker