SALT LAKE CITY — The Utes and Trojans desperately need a win Saturday. Both programs have had flashes of brilliance, while also failing to live up to expectations. But only one can be victorious.

With equal records — 4-3, 1-2 in Pac-12 play — both programs will be looking to bounce back after disappointing losses to opponents they should have beat. USC played a messy game against Notre Dame, being penalized 11 times for 95 yards. Additionally, USC had trouble moving the ball, and went 2 of 13 on third down.

Utah came out flat against Arizona, allowing Wildcats running back Ka'Deem Carey to rush for 236 yards and one touchdown. Utah struggled to move the offense after starting quarterback Travis Wilson went down with a hand injury. Despite their lackluster performance, the Utes still had a chance, but couldn't finish.

Nevertheless, both teams say they've moved on and are focused on Saturday's game.

"We've put the last game behind us and we had a tremendous practice today," USC head coach Ed Orgeron said during the Pac-12 teleconference on Tuesday. "I really like the feel of this team and the attitude, but we'll see Saturday. We do have to play well Saturday."

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"I thought we came out for the first time all season long without that fire we've had in every single game up to that point. And it has been an emotional year, ups and downs. We've been a mentally tough team and a very resilient team," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday. "It's been an emotional season, but we've just got to be able to handle that."

Both programs will enter Saturday's game with many questions surrounding its program, including the status of many of its players.

Travis Wilson is still questionable for Saturday's game. He has practiced all week with the team, but has worn a glove on his throwing hand. Whittingham said he was confident Wilson will play, but how effectively is unknown. Additionally, Utah will continue to be without tight ends Westlee Tonga and Jake Murphy.

USC is struggling with numerous injuries this season, including starting receiver Marqise Lee, who is questionable for Saturday after reinjuring his left knee against Notre Dame. Tailback Tre Madden is also questionable because of a hamstring injury.

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The Utes are not ready for the spotlight ... yet

The Utes got their first win against a Top 5 team at home last week against Stanford, and the future of the program looked bright, even with a difficult schedule looming ahead. However, Utah squandered their newfound spotlight after falling to Arizona in a game that was winnable.

The Trojans will also be without tight ends Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer. And starting linebacker Lamar Dawson and freshman tailback Justin Davis underwent season-ending surgery this week, according to the Los Angeles Times.

However, both teams have the athletes to compete and make Saturday's game competitive. USC likes to run a smash mouth, pro-style offense, with the backs getting a lot of carries up the middle. However, Utah's defense has usually matched up well against a pro-style offense, and is suited to contain the run.

"(Silas) Redd is a tremendous back. We've played good run defense up until last week," Whittingham said. "Last week was obviously horrific run defense, but prior to that, we've been pretty solid, and so I expect them (USC) to establish a good run game just like they always do. We've got to do a good job on defense trying to negate that."

For the obvious reasons about winning a game, both programs need a win to remain competitive in the South Division standings and for a chance at a bowl game. A bowl game seems doable for both programs, but Saturday's game could have an impact on each teams remainder of the season.

A win for Utah gives the program a nice pick-me-up before their bye week, and before welcoming a surging Arizona State team to Salt Lake City. A loss could potentially send the team spiraling, with the Arizona State and Oregon games looking extremely doubtful.

USC, too, needs the win heading into a difficult part of their schedule. The Trojans have No. 25 Oregon State, No. 6 Stanford and No. 12 UCLA left on their schedule.

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