USC’s Justin Davis is expected to carry the load against UCLA

USC tailback Justin Davis did not play against UCLA the last time the rivals met at the Coliseum.

In 2013, Davis suffered a broken ankle midseason at Notre Dame and sat out the last seven games, including the Trojans’ 35-14 defeat by the Bruins.

The junior played as a backup in last season’s loss at the Rose Bowl.

On Saturday, Davis is expected to have a prominent role in the 85th meeting between the rivals, which will decide the Pac-12 South title.

Davis is coming off a career-best performance.

He rushed for 141 yards in 16 carries, caught three passes and returned two kickoffs for 59 yards in the Trojans’ loss at Oregon.

“It’s something to build on,� he said. “The O-line, we had some dudes banged up, but they stepped up and did their part.

“We’ve got to bring that to UCLA. We really need that.�

The offensive line could get some help if sophomore guard Viane Talamaivao returns from a knee injury. But center Khaliel Rodgers has been nursing shoulder injuries. If Rodgers is unable to play effectively, the Trojans would turn to Nico Falah, a converted tackle who would be the fourth center to play this season.

Davis is expected to carry the load in a tailback corps that also features freshman Ronald Jones II, senior Tre Madden and freshmen Dominic Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware.

Madden, sidelined the last three games because of a knee injury, should be available for limited action against the Bruins, interim Coach Clay Helton said after Thursday’s closed practice.

“He brings very much of a calm to our offense,� Helton said.

But Justin Davis, who has averaged 5.6 yards per carry, will start.

“The last two years I was playing a little too fast, and I really learned to be more patient this year,� Davis said. “Everything slows down and I’m able to think better on the field. I can see things a whole lot better.�

Davis’ mental approach also has improved with maturity, running backs coach Johnny Nansen said. In Madden’s absence, Davis assumed a leadership role.

“Last year, at times when it wasn’t going right, he was really hard on himself,� Nansen said. “Now, when things aren’t going right, he comes back to the sideline and it’s, ‘Hey coach. Next play.’ That’s a difference.�

Last go-round

Senior defensive lineman Antwaun Woods will try to control his emotions when he takes the field Saturday.

That it will be the fifth-year senior’s last game at the Coliseum is “heartbreaking,� he said.

“You never think this day will come when you’re a freshman,� he said. “But it’s finally here.�

Woods has been productive through the last quarter of the season. He enters Saturday’s game with six tackles for loss, including three sacks.

Woods grew up not far from the Coliseum in Los Angeles and played at Woodland Hills Taft High.

“I grew up dreaming of playing in the Coliseum,� he said. “That dream came true. Now that it’s coming to an end, so now I’ve just got to do everything I can to make that count.�

First time

Freshman cornerback Iman Marshall is looking forward to his first opportunity to play against the Bruins.

“That’s part of history,� he said of the rivalry series. “So I’m excited to be a part of history and help my team.�

Marshall, who played at Long Beach Poly High, started the last nine games.

He has one interception and has broken up five passes. He also has been called for several pass-interference penalties, but coaches have said they do not want him to change his physical style.

Marshall said he was familiar with Bruins players.

“It’s always fun to play against dudes that you grew up playing against in Pop Warner and high school ball,� he said.

Quick hits

The Trojans had a short practice Thursday before breaking for Thanksgiving dinner away from campus. “We make sure that every kid is either with one of his brothers or one of our coaching staff,� Helton said.

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Twitter: @latimesklein

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