The stakes are clear in the Pac-12. First, win your division. Then, battle for the conference crown at the Pac-12 Championship Game in Santa Clara. Win that and you've earned a ticket to the Rose Bowl.
Last year, the Trojans showed the value of winning divisional games. Despite dropping three contests to Pac-12 North opponents, USC won the South by running the table in its division.
While USC is 0-1 in conference play this year, the loss came at the hands of the reigning Pac-12 champions Stanford from the North. This week, the Trojans travel to Utah, beginning Pac-12 South play, adding increased value to an already crucial contest.
