No. 13 USC (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) at Utah (2-2, 0-1 Pac-12)
Kickoff: Thursday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: USC by 13.5
Watchability: A ton. USC hasn't been the force that was expected, and for that matter, Utah hasn't played like a classic Kyle Whittingham-led team, but given their respective strengths and weaknesses, this should be a good one.
Shining stars: USC: With Marqise Lee and Matt Barkley looking like peanut butter and jelly, Robert Woods has been relegated to second-tier star status. His 204 yards and four touchdowns through four games would have been a good game for Woods a couple years ago. He could re-emerge as a threat on Thursday. Utah: Speaking of faded Stars, the Utes' stud interior defensive lineman, Star Lotulelei, has one sack and four tackles-for-loss and the typically stout Utah defense has not been quite as overpowering this year. Arizona State gained more than 500 yards of offense in their Week 4 matchup.
Who could steal the show: USC: When the USC running game is a focal point, it's pretty darn good. The Trojans tried to get a bit too fancy early on, but Silas Redd and Curtis McNeal rediscovered their mojo against Cal, combining for 273 yards, and they could be in for another big game against the Utes. Utah: Former walk-on Trevor Reilly has blossomed into a true playmaker for the Utes. His 2.5 sacks tie for the team lead and his 25 tackles are tops. He and Joe Kruger form a potent linebacker combo.
You going? Ranking the road trip: Salt Lake City is a nice place to take in a game and the setting for Rice-Eccles Stadium is truly picturesque. For a Thursday night in early October, it's worth the drive in from the surrounding areas.
Magic number for USC: 141.3. After improving his season-long quarterback rating by 20 points, from 141.2 as a sophomore to 161.2 as a junior, Matt Barkley was expected to take a similar leap this year, but he's regressed the last two games, and he stands at 141.3 for the year. If he can recapture last season's magic, the Trojans' offense will be back to its lofty status."
Magic number for Utah: 298.25. The Utes rank dead last in the conference in total offense, and 112th out of 120 teams, with just under 300 yards per game. That simply won't cut it against the Trojans.
This game comes down to: USC's ability to protect Matt Barkley. For Barkley to be the quarterback he can be, he needs good protection. It's been spotty this year, and the Utes are no pushovers when it comes to a pass rush.
Prediction: USC 38, Utah 20
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