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Utah Football: 3 Takeaways from Thrilling Victory over USC

By Hunter Newbold

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Utes receiver Sione Vaki (28) scores on a 53-yard touchdown reception against Southern California Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (34) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Utes receiver Sione Vaki (28) scores on a 53-yard touchdown reception against Southern California Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (34) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Utah Utes emerge victorious after a walk-off field goal at the Colosseum. A look at how this result affects the Pac-12 standings and CFP Outlook.

The matchup between Utah football and USC has been a thriller on multiple occasions in recent years. Saturday night was no different. There was plenty of offense, lead changes, and drama. This has developed into a bit of a rivalry over the past few seasons, although neither team will admit it. There was a lot on the line tonight as both programs had just one loss entering tonight, and generally speaking, a second loss is an elimination from College Football Playoff contention. Here are a few takeaways from the game.

1. Utah’s ability to run the ball effectively made things difficult for USC

We know by now that the defense for USC is not good. Their strength is their offense, which has been exceptional at times. There was reason to believe that they would win this game convincingly going into it. Utah football has struggled as they have been without QB Cameron Rising, and have started multiple quarterbacks at times this season trying to find the best option. One would have thought going into this that if USC could put up 20 or so points, they would win the game.

This was not the case as the Utes were able to run the ball effectively, something they have not done often this season against quality opponents. This opened up the passing game for Bryson Barnes and allowed Utah to run a balanced scheme against the Trojans’ defense. That is an immediate problem for USC as they struggled to stop it, and had to play from behind for the majority of the game against a solid Utah defense.

If the Utes can continue to run the ball effectively they will give themselves a chance against Washington and Oregon, who are coming up on the schedule.

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