Utah Loses First Game of the Season to USC

After a promising start in LA, the Utes couldn't get out of their own way in their first loss of this season. Utah lost to the Trojans by a final score of 42-24. Utah quarterback Travis Wilson had his worst game of the season, as he threw four interceptions in the loss to go with his 24-of-36, 254 yards and two touchdowns. Two of those interceptions set up easy scores for USC, which put Utah behind the eight ball early on. The game plan offensively was a bit puzzling at times, as they seemed to go away from running back Devontae Booker for long stretches. Booker only rushed the ball 14 times on the night for a total of 62 yards, to go along with six receptions and 49 yards through the air.  One bright spot for the offense was freshman wide receiver Britain Covey, who had seven receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Utes were stout at times, and couldn't get off the field at other times. One play they'd get a sack, the next they'd get a personal foul to extend a drive. The defense wasn't bad, but they couldn't help out the offense when they needed it. They did hold USC under their season yard average, by giving up only 381 yards (USC averages over 500). Gionni Paul was a monster on the night, as he was in the backfield all night for the Utes. The squad no doubt was missing Jared Norris, who sat out the game with an injury, and Hunter Dimick missed time with a beat up shoulder.

While the loss stings, everything is still in front of the Utes, as they control their own destiny, and still have a game lead on everyone in the Pac-12 South. It also appears the schedule is about to lighten up a little bit, as Oregon State, Washington, Arizona, UCLA and Colorado are all still on the schedule. It was always unlikely that Utah was going to go undefeated, as the Pac-12 rarely has an undefeated team.

For the Utes, it's all about shaking this one off, and moving on, because the South is theirs if they want it.