USC and UCLA put out a joint statement today urging fans to practice sportsmanship. Remember two years ago there was a stabbing at the game, though the fact this year’s game is at 12 p.m. should reduce incidents.

Also, the USC drum major will not plant his sword in the UCLA logo in the name of sportsmanship. Full statement after the jump.

With archrivals UCLA and USC set to meet at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, November 17, the athletic directors of both schools have asked their respective fan bases to exercise discretion and sportsmanship while attending the game.

“Anytime we have a home game, it is my expectation that our fans and everyone associated with UCLA will put their best foot forward and create a friendly atmosphere for all visitors at the Rose Bowl, including those from the opposing team,” said UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. “While the game will no doubt be played with great enthusiasm on both sides, it is important to remember that UCLA and USC are part of the same Los Angeles community and this rivalry should be celebrated with graciousness and class.”

“The USC-UCLA cross-town rivalry brings out the best in both teams,” said USC athletic director Pat Haden. “Let’s make sure it brings out the best in our fans, too. If you are wearing cardinal and gold on Saturday, please show respect, sportsmanship and class to the fans and players in the blue and gold. Behaving properly will make this game a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

UCLA, the home team for 84th renewal of the greatest cross-town rivalry in college football, enters the game with an 8-2 record (5-2 in the Pac-12 Conference) and ranked 17th in the nation. The visitors from USC boast a 7-3 overall mark, 5-3 in the conference and a number 18 ranking.

Earlier this year, both universities joined with other institutions and venues in adopting the Los Angeles Sports Council’s “Southern California Fan Code of Conduct,” which, in the case of the Rose Bowl, states:

The UCLA Bruins, the USC Trojans, the Rose Bowl Stadium and the Los Angeles Sports Council support the area’s outstanding collegiate and professional sports teams. In order to ensure a safe and celebratory environment, we ask that fans refrain from the following behavior at all events:

UCLA police officials and officers representing various public safety departments throughout the area will be closely monitoring spectators throughout the day at the Rose Bowl and will be enforcing the aforementioned code.

Fans are reminded that all parking lots at the Rose Bowl will open six hours prior to game time and that there is no overnight parking, including for recreational vehicles.