Visual Recap: USC Beats Utah
Aubrey Kragen
11/22/2020
The Trojans hit the road for the second straight week and didn't disappoint, advancing to 3-0 on the season with a 33-17 win over Utah.
USC hadn't won in Salt Lake City since 2012, and coming off two close wins over the Arizona schools, the Trojans were looking for a statement win.
They started off strong on the chilly Utah night (36 degrees at kickoff) when sophomore ILB Drake Jackson hauled in his first career INT in the first quarter. He set the tone for what would be the best defensive performance of the season for the Trojans.
USC built off Jackson's big play and finished with 5 takeaways in the game. Talanoa Hufanga also made an interception, as did Chris Steele as time expired. Isaiah Pola-Mao and Connor Murphy each recovered a fumble as well. USC's 5 takeaways were its most in a game since having 6 at Cal in 2017.
Utah's 335 total yards of offense were the fewest USC has allowed this season.
This is the best playcalling from a USC defensive coordinator that I've seen in years.
— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) November 22, 2020
Inside linebackers Ralen Goforth and Kana'i Mauga stepped up in a big way. Goforth notched a career-high 12 tackles, plus 2 passes broken up and 0.5 tackles for loss. Mauga, meanwhile, recorded 11 tackles and a sack.
The defense stole the show, but USC was solid on special teams as well. True freshman kicker Parker Lewis was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts (from 35, 24, 43 and 47 yards) and 3-for-3 on point-after attempts.
USC's 357 yards of total offense were its fewest of the season, but got the job done.
Quarterback Kedon Slovis finished with 264 pass yards and 2 touchdowns.
He spread the love between many receivers.
Bru McCoy hauled in 66 yards, while Tyler Vaughns had 62 and a touchdown. Amon-Ra St. Brown added 55 yards and Drake London had 45. Tight end Erik Krommenhoek scored his second TD in two weeks as well.
Running back Vavae Malepeai took 20 carries for 62 yards and a score, while the speedy youngster Kenan Christon picked up 55 yards on 5 carries.
WATCH THE FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS!
WATCH USC HEAD COACH CLAY HELTON, QB KEDON SLOVIS AND LB KANA'I MAUGA RECAP THE WIN!
The Trojans are now 3-0 as they head into the second half of the regular season, which features two home games and a trip across town to UCLA.
Up next is a battle with the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, Nov. 21 and the Coliseum. The game time and television network have not yet been announced.
