2. Utah has an advantage in the trenches
Utah might have the best offensive/defensive line combination in the conference, and these are the types of games they need it.
On offense, the Utes want to establish the run, and lean on USC’s defense until the Trojans are worn out in the fourth quarter. The Utes want to establish the run and take their shots downfield, so expect to see a heavy dose of Zack Moss. Since this is the most talented team the Utes have face, expect to see more of freshman Jordan Wilmore and quarterback Tyler Huntley involved in the run game as well.
The Air-Raid offense is all about getting rid of the ball early and on time.
Defensively, you want to disrupt timing. That’s done two ways against the air-raid: pressure and coverage. BYU just dropped into coverage and forced Kedon Slovis to read and find the open receiver. The Cougars forced Slovis to throw three interceptions. Utah can do both.
They might blitz, but if they get to Slovis without additional pressure, expect the Utes to drop coverage and make him do what he couldn’t against BYU.