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USC Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

By Darrelle Thompson

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks on from the sidelines against the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks on from the sidelines against the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes rushes against linebacker Brandon Wellington #13 of the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 18: Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes rushes against linebacker Brandon Wellington #13 of the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

This is the game that could decide the Pac-12 North title race. I expect both teams to come in undefeated in conference play and Utah should be battle tested with road games at Stanford and Wazzou a few weeks before this USC matchup.

What jumped out to me Regarding last year’s game was that Utah did not do a good job protecting quarterback Troy Williams. The offense of line gave up for sacks but they still held an early lead at halftime.

The turning point Trojans were three long touchdown drives of 88 yards and two 98-yard scores. Those three long touchdowns did not stop Utah from potentially winning the game on a failed two-point conversion try at the end of the game.

The key to this game will be the USC offensive game plan. If they give the ball to Carr and he gets his usual dose of carries at 20-plus per game, then it will be a commanding USC win. If they decide to throw the ball more and rely on JT Daniels to get the ball down the field then I think the Trojans will be stuck in the street fight.

Utah came close last year and this year with a freshman quarterback facing them I expect him to make two key mistakes that will lead to a Utah victory and spoil USC’s perfect season.

Prediction: USC 30, Utah 31 (6-1, 4-1 Pac-12)

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