Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on FS1
Ute to Watch: Senior DE Hunter DimickThe Utes have several candidates on their defensive line worthy of the spotlight, but Dimick has made the most noise so far this season with three sacks to lead the Pac-12. As a team, Utah tops the conference and sits second in the nation with 15 sacks, including 10 last week. Dimick was hurt much of last season, but he had 1.5 sacks against the Trojans at the Coliseum. In 2014, he had another 1.5 sacks against USC en route to 10 for the season which placed him fifth in the conference.
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3 Keys
Free Darnold
Sam Darnold is set to become the eighth freshman and fifth redshirt freshman to start at quarterback for USC since 1984. The offense needs a spark, ranking last in the Pac-12 (although strength of schedule plays a major factor), and head coach Clay Helton has pointed to the fresh-faced QB to energize the Trojans. Darnold certainly has the ability to be a difference maker. In limited duty, he has displayed a powerful arm, completing 14/22 for 136 yards and 2 TDs. In practice, he has also shown the swiftest feet for a USC quarterback in quite some time. In a difficult atmosphere, the coaching staff must create a game plan that plays to Darnold's strengths and puts him in a position to succeed.
Hog Heaven
If the USC offense is going to improve, the offensive line has to lead the way. While the unit has gotten better each week, according to Helton, the front five will again be tested by Utah's defensive line, which is the calling card of head coach Kyle Whittingham's program. The Trojans manhandled Stanford last week, but they stalled their own momentum by committing six false start penalties. On a wet and cold Salt Lake City night, expect a slugfest with OC Tee Martin pounding the run game to take pressure off Darnold and to slow down Utah's pass rush. The offensive line is central to that game plan.
No Regrets
The USC defense has walked out of both losses bemoaning a few mistakes which spoiled an otherwise dominant performance. The Utah offense is talented but middle of the Pac. QB Troy Williams provides a dual threat option, but he is also tied with UCLA's Josh Rosen for the conference-lead in interceptions. The Utes have turned to tailback by committee to replace Devontae Booker, while Tim Patrick has emerged as the playmaking threat on the outside. If the Trojans can eliminate the handful of mental errors and breakdowns that have plagued them this season, Clancy Pendergast's defense could take control of this game.
