Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 South games of 2017

Pac-12 Football: 5 most important Pac-12 South games for 2017

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans eludes the rush from defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley #98 and defensive lineman Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during a 36-14 Trojan win at Rose Bowl on November 19, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans recovers his end zone fumble while being defended by Marcus Williams #20 of the Utah Utes during their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on September 23, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

2. Utah at USC (Oct. 14)

USC began the 2016 season 1-3 before finishing the season by winning nine straight games. The team’s last loss of the season was on the road against Utah by a score of 31-27. It was USC’s second straight loss when playing at Utah. Meanwhile, the Trojans have defeated Utah at home since the Utes joined the Pac-12 (3-0).

The Utes present a formidable challenge because the team has the most formidable defense in the Pac-12 South other than the Trojans. Utah’s defensive line will keep pressure on USC quarterback Sam Darnold. However, the more critical matchup could be Utah quarterback Troy Williams vs. the USC secondary.

As previously noted, USC lost a key piece in the secondary in Adoree Jackson. Williams isn’t the conference’s best quarterback, but he returns as a senior with a great familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme. He might be able to do enough to make this game competitive.

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