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SALT LAKE CITY — In a game that likely has an impact on the Pac-12 South’s final standings, Utah lit up Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday and dominated division rival USC, 41-28.
“All the credit goes to Utah,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “The fact of the matter is we have a three-horse race with three teams sitting at the top right now with Utah, us and Colorado.”
While Utah’s offense was excellent, as quarterback Tyler Huntley tied his career-highs in passing yards (341) and touchdowns (four), the defense was noticeably stellar.
The Utes allowed just 205 total offensive yards compared to their own 541. Through three quarters, the Trojans were 0 of 10 on third-down conversions and quarterback JT Daniels threw two interceptions.
“I thought they did a nice job with their defensive front,” Helton said.
Helton admitted that he came into the game feeling “good” about his front against Utah’s. But Utah’s defensive line held USC to 73 rushing yards, while Utah dashed the Trojans for 200.
It marked the fifth time this season the Utes have held their opponent under 100 yards rushing. The Trojans' best runner finished with just 44 yards.
“They played a lot more cover two than I thought they’d play tonight,” Helton said. “Their front did great and we did not run the ball to our capability, and that’s on me.”
With this outcome, Utah and USC both have a 3-2 conference record to top the division standings. Colorado is in third with a 2-2 Pac-12 record. USC beat Colorado 31-20 on October 13. Utah travels to Colorado November 17.
“We didn’t do good enough tonight to win the football game, a very critical football game for the stretch running in the Pac-12. Utah did a good job tonight,” Helton said.
