University Southern California Trojans
6-Points: Utah 41, USC 28
October 20, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans fall to 4-3 on the season and 3-2 in conference play.
House of Horrors
For the third consecutive time, USC walked out of Rice-Eccles Stadium with a loss. While this one ended far less dramatically than the last two, the Trojans were hurt nonetheless and now have no room for error in their defense of the conference title. After taking a 14-0 lead, USC yielded 34 straight points before a couple fourth quarter touchdowns which proved too little and too late. The final box score tells the story of a one-sided affair as Utah out-gained USC, 541-205.
Third Down Misery
While USC sprung out to an early advantage, the offense could not stay on the field, going 3/14 on third downs with all its conversions in the final quarter. "I thought it was the first down efficiency and not getting the run game going which created some third and longs," said head coach Clay Helton. "You get in that situation against their defense and it's not going to be a good night." Utah's rush defense, ranked No. 2 in the nation coming into the game, lived up its billing, holding the Trojans to 73 yards on the ground.
Hunting Huntley
The USC defense came out with the same attacking mindset that it featured last week against Colorado, racking up 5 sacks, 8 tackles-for-loss and 2 turnovers, but the Trojans missed several key playmaking opportunities on Utah QB Tyler Huntley and appeared to wear down as the time of possession swung heavily in Utah's favor. "[Huntley] definitely is a slippery cat," said freshman LB Palaie Gaoteote. "That's something that we scouted and were prepared for but he just kept on slipping. We have to get back to square one and practice tackling and staying in our lanes." Utah native Jay Tufele (pictured) provided the best highlight of the night for USC's defense with a scoop-and-score to celebrate his homecoming in style.
Leading By Example
Junior WR Michael Pittman Jr. is emerging as a leader of this young Trojan team, which was down two injured captains tonight. "Michael Pittman brings his juice the whole game from the first whistle to the last whistle," said RB Vavae Malepeai. "He's on the sideline pumping everybody up. When he goes on the field, his results show it. His actions speak louder than words." Pittman made an incredible touchdown catch en route to a 107-yard night plus a blocked punt.
Fink in the Fourth
Freshman QB JT Daniels was placed in concussion protocol late in the third quarter after taking a vicious hit. Matt Fink stepped up in his place, leading two touchdown drives. "That's what you want from your backup quarterback, to be able to come in when called upon and be able to provide a lift and he did that," Helton said about Fink. "I thought he played with great emotion and great heart and did a wonderful job." Fink finished 6/7 for 43 yards and a TD plus 21 yards rushing.
Three-Horse Race
The Trojans no longer control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South. "We had an opportunity to separate ourselves tonight. We didn't get it done," said Helton. "And now we sit at the top with Utah and Colorado, we've let them back in. Our job now is to take each and every game and treat it like a playoff game." USC will host Arizona State next Saturday at the Coliseum. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m. PT.
For the third consecutive time, USC walked out of Rice-Eccles Stadium with a loss. While this one ended far less dramatically than the last two, the Trojans were hurt nonetheless and now have no room for error in their defense of the conference title. After taking a 14-0 lead, USC yielded 34 straight points before a couple fourth quarter touchdowns which proved too little and too late. The final box score tells the story of a one-sided affair as Utah out-gained USC, 541-205.
Third Down Misery
While USC sprung out to an early advantage, the offense could not stay on the field, going 3/14 on third downs with all its conversions in the final quarter. "I thought it was the first down efficiency and not getting the run game going which created some third and longs," said head coach Clay Helton. "You get in that situation against their defense and it's not going to be a good night." Utah's rush defense, ranked No. 2 in the nation coming into the game, lived up its billing, holding the Trojans to 73 yards on the ground.
Hunting HuntleyThe USC defense came out with the same attacking mindset that it featured last week against Colorado, racking up 5 sacks, 8 tackles-for-loss and 2 turnovers, but the Trojans missed several key playmaking opportunities on Utah QB Tyler Huntley and appeared to wear down as the time of possession swung heavily in Utah's favor. "[Huntley] definitely is a slippery cat," said freshman LB Palaie Gaoteote. "That's something that we scouted and were prepared for but he just kept on slipping. We have to get back to square one and practice tackling and staying in our lanes." Utah native Jay Tufele (pictured) provided the best highlight of the night for USC's defense with a scoop-and-score to celebrate his homecoming in style.
Leading By Example
Junior WR Michael Pittman Jr. is emerging as a leader of this young Trojan team, which was down two injured captains tonight. "Michael Pittman brings his juice the whole game from the first whistle to the last whistle," said RB Vavae Malepeai. "He's on the sideline pumping everybody up. When he goes on the field, his results show it. His actions speak louder than words." Pittman made an incredible touchdown catch en route to a 107-yard night plus a blocked punt.
Fink in the Fourth
Freshman QB JT Daniels was placed in concussion protocol late in the third quarter after taking a vicious hit. Matt Fink stepped up in his place, leading two touchdown drives. "That's what you want from your backup quarterback, to be able to come in when called upon and be able to provide a lift and he did that," Helton said about Fink. "I thought he played with great emotion and great heart and did a wonderful job." Fink finished 6/7 for 43 yards and a TD plus 21 yards rushing.
Three-Horse Race
The Trojans no longer control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South. "We had an opportunity to separate ourselves tonight. We didn't get it done," said Helton. "And now we sit at the top with Utah and Colorado, we've let them back in. Our job now is to take each and every game and treat it like a playoff game." USC will host Arizona State next Saturday at the Coliseum. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m. PT.
Players Mentioned
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