USC's Tommy Trojan teams up with unlikely ally for 'We Give Blood' Drive

School is back in session on the USC campus, and so is the beginning of the 'We Give Blood' Drive. From August 27 through December 5, Trojan fans can have their donation paired up with their support for the Cardinal and Gold. The conference-wide event encourages college football fans to team up together to help address the shortage of blood donations throughout the country.

By visiting the donation website, BigTen.org/Abbott, Trojan fans can ensure that their act counts toward the final tally for the competition. The winning Big Ten school will receive $1 million that will then go toward student and community enrichment.

Leading the way and leading by example, Tommy Trojan could be seen with UCLA's Joe Bruin as the two mascots were part of the initial donations for the drive.

Encouraging students and offering their support, the two sat side-by-side on a seat themselves. While the USC vs. UCLA rivalry means a great deal in the SoCal region, the 'We Give Blood' Drive offers fans of both schools a chance to come together to perform some real good for the local area.

Joining in the cause toward the USC total

Considering the current shortage and how important blood can be in varying emergency and medical circumstances, this effort from the Big Ten is one of the most worthy endeavors that the conference can put its weight behind. A single donation can save up to three lives. To have this now also paired with something that directly ties into the university makes it that much more compelling to find the nearest location to join Tommy Trojan in donating.

On November 29 USC and UCLA will face each other on the football field. Up through the early days of December, they will also be competing in the blood drive. Only in the case of the 'We Give Blood' Drive does the 'competition' mutually benefit everyone.