Utah (4-1, 1-1) at No. 13 Southern California (5-1, 3-1 Pac-12), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
Line: USC by 13.
Series Record: USC leads 10-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Trojans host their most imposing rivals for the Pac-12 South title. Utah has the talent and pedigree to give trouble to USC, which bounced back from its first loss last week by extending its home winning streak to 13 games. The Utes have won two of their last three matchups with the Trojans.
KEY MATCHUP
Utah WR Darren Carrington vs. USC CB Jack Jones. Carrington leads the Pac-12 in yards receiving, and the Utes’ new big-play threat had 99 yards in the second half last week against Stanford. Jones is also showing a knack for big plays with four interceptions this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Utah: CB Jaylon Johnson. The true freshman from Fresno started the Utes’ Pac-12 opener against Stanford, and he already leads the team in pass breakups (four) and passes defended (five). He could play a prominent role against the Trojans’ passing game.
USC: QB Sam Darnold. He made his first career start in Salt Lake City, losing a late nail-biter. He won his next 13 starts until last month’s late defeat at Washington State. The junior will show off his progress over the past year to the Utes.
FACTS & FIGURES
USC is 5-1 for the first time since 2012. … Utah hasn’t won at USC in seven tries since 1916. That victory was at Fiesta Park, since the Coliseum didn’t open until 1923. … Utes have won two of the last three in the series. … USC RB Ronald Jones II has scored a touchdown in 12 consecutive games. … LB Sunia Tauteoli leads Utah with 36 tackles, including 7.5 for loss. … QB Troy Williams started the Utes’ win over USC last season, but has started just one game this season. … USC LB Porter Gustin, a Utah native, is doubtful to play due to a biceps injury and recent surgery on his toe. … Utah K Matt Gay leads the nation with 16 field goals. … USC OL Toa Lobendahn’s father played at Utah from 1990-93. …
___
More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Please read our comment policy before commenting.