Win over USC could help Arizona make history

USC, at No. 5 in the first Bowl Championship Series standings, has its sights firmly set on reaching the BCS title game in Florida.

A third consecutive appearance in any other bowl game would be a consolation prize for the Trojans.

However, Arizona, USC's opponent Saturday in Tucson, would cherish a trip to the Rose Bowl.

And make history.

The Wildcats are the only Pacific 10 Conference team that has not played in the Pasadena bowl game. Not that Arizona Coach Mike Stoops has mentioned it to his players.

"I haven't said one word about it," Stoops said.

USC, Arizona, Oregon and Oregon State are 3-1 in Pac-10 play. Arizona has conference games remaining against the Trojans, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State and Arizona State.

Stoops, in his fifth season with the Wildcats, is not looking too far ahead. Arizona has not played in a bowl game since the 1998 Holiday Bowl.

"All we're the concentrating on is winning this game and staying on top of the Pac-10," Stoops said.

Klein is a Times staff writer.

gary.klein@latimes.com