First things first: USC keeps focus on much-improved Cal before biggest rivalry games

Although Southern California is out of the national title race, the Trojans' schedule puts them in position for a big finish to coach Steve Sarkisian's debut season.

Even after every weird thing that has happened to USC in the past three months, from preseason player shenanigans to two last-second losses, Sarkisian is certain the Trojans (6-3, 5-2 Pac-12) are focused only on California's visit to the Coliseum on Thursday night.

Sarkisian has reacted with exasperation in the past few days when he's repeatedly asked whether there's a chance the Trojans will look past a weekday visit from the Golden Bears (5-4, 3-4) to their high-profile, season-ending games against UCLA and Notre Dame.