Utah football: 3 takeaways from huge upset of USC in Pac-12 title game

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Ja'Quinden Jackson (3) scores a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half of the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson (3) runs the ball against Southern California Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry (18) during the first half of the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ja’Quinden Jackson is going to be a special player at Utah

We all heard the broadcast say it after he raced to the end zone for the pour-it-on touchdown near the end of the game when Utah was already up by 10: Ja’Quinden Jackson is making his case to become the next dominant Utah running back.

And it’s hard to argue that.

Jackson looked like a star all night on Friday, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries as USC had a tough time corralling him all night.

Not only did he break off that long run to ice the game, he was just consistent all night and helped the Utah offense get out of that early rut. He was the spark that the Utes needed and he closed the door on USC at the end.

Jackson is going to be fun to watch for a while.

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