No. 20 USC (-1) @ No. 19 Utah TV: FOX Sports 1 10 pm Saturday
Daniel: Both teams are riding modest win streaks into this game and it’s a big one in terms of Pac-12 standings. I’m giving the Utes the edge here for both playing at home and for their strong rushing attack. The Utes are second in the Pac-12 in rushing offense with 210 yards per game. Their leading rusher, Devontae Booker, has been nicknamed “The Beast.” With 563 yards over the course of his last three conference games, I’d say he’s earned that. USC’s rushing defense is average at best, so I like Booker’s chances to lead Utah to a win at home. Winner: Utah 34-28
Houston: I like what the Utes have done this year. They have a sneaky good offense with an underrated rushing attack and their defense has played well enough to win every game. USC does not have a very good defense and their offense has been lackluster at times this season. They still bring in a lot of talented players to this game, but I think Utah is playing better team football at this point. I like the Utes to start strong and then hold off a late rush by the Trojans. Winner: Utah 31-24
Reed: This should be a great game. USC has the talent edge but Utah is a tough place to play. Utah ranks 9th in the Pac-12 in offense. USC ranks 8th in the same category. Utah ranks 3rd in total offense. USC ranks 4th. On paper this is a brutally equal matchup. Utah already has a win at UCLA while USC has a win on the road at Stanford. Utah’s defense has been a bit more efficient thus far this season and they’re playing at home. Though they’re at a talent disadvantage, I like the Utes in a close one. Winner: Utah 28-24
Mark: As a 41 year old with two daughters I find it harder and harder to stay awake come night time. For all I know USC and Utah play their games in Japan.
Is USC still on probation? From the sounds of things they play with 17 scholarships and their AD could run down to the field to verbally berate officials at anytime. I might have to DVR this game for that reason alone. Wait, it’s on Fox Sports 1. I’m not sure I even get that channel.
I’m told by my Pac-12 South sources that Trojans running back Javorius Allen is the real deal. Tears in Salt Lake City. Winner: USC 23-20
