Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 1 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks (Bars with Pac-12 Networks)
Ute to Watch: Sophomore QB Travis Wilson
The Utes 6-foot-7 signal-caller was forced out of last week's loss at Arizona after banging the index finger on his throwing hand. However, the San Clemente native has "no doubt" he will make the homecoming trip this weekend and start in the Coliseum. Assuming he plays, he is a dual threat who ranks second on the team in rushing (300 yards) and first in rushing TDs (5). Meanwhile, he holds his own through the air averaging 236 yards per game with 14 TD passes.Click the link for more on the Utes: fbusc13.pdf
3 Keys
Walk-Off
The stage was set last week for Rudy 2: Revenge of the Trojans. Walk-on WR Robbie Kolanz was split out wide on the final drive as the Trojans needed a touchdown to break Irish hearts. But alas, the ball never came his way, although he did throw a crushing block to help Nelson Agholor get out of bounds. This week, several walk-ons might get a chance for glory as the Trojans are decimated at the skill positions. For the record, the last USC walk-on to score a touchdown was RB Jess Holguin in 1994 as part of a 61-0 win over Cal.
Opportunity Knocks
While everyone outside the program is focused on the injuries decimating an already undermanned roster, Ed Orgeron refuses to budge an inch. He sees the situation as an opportunity for backups and freshmen to show what they can do. While many of these players are pressed into action, there is no time to learn on the job. Defensively, the Trojans could use a spark from LB Quinton Powell or S Leon McQuay. While on offense, could Darreus Rogers have the breakout game that harkens back to his dynamic Fall Camp performance?
A Gutty Victory
Nobody is particularly sure how the Trojans are going to pull this Houdini act off. The Utes are a beatable team, especially on the road, but they are also big and physical. If USC walks out of the Coliseum victorious, the word "guts" should appear in some form in nearly every recap. Despite the emotional letdown after a crushing loss at Notre Dame, the Trojans must summon every ounce of energy with the help of the second biggest crowd of the season to stay in the Pac-12 South hunt.
In the first ever Pac-12 game, Matt Kalil blocked a potential game-tying field goal.
