THE BASICS
USC (4-2, 3-1) at Utah (4-2, 2-2)
Kickoff: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Rice-Eccles Stadium (45,807)
FieldTurf
TV: Pac-12 Networks
Stream: Pac-12.com
Radio: ESPN 700AM
Series: USC leads 11-5
Weather: Clear, temperatures in the low 60s.
Transportation: UTA information
THE STAKES
For USC ... After gaining control of the Pac-12 South race with last week’s win over Colorado, the Trojans can secure some additional space with a victory.
For Utah … The Utes need a win to keep their Pac-12 South title hopes alive. A loss could be devastating in that regard. Therefore, this is a big, big game.
THE TRENDS
For USC … The Trojans have won three straight Pac-12 games — defeating Washington State, Arizona and Colorado — since falling at Stanford early on.
For Utah ... The Utes have come out victorious in their last two games against USC at Rice-Eccles Stadium — prevailing 31-27 in 2016 and 24-21 in 2014.
THE CRYSTAL BALL
For USC ... The Trojans have proven to be a deep squad by overcoming injuries like the fractured ankle that has sidelined linebacker Porter Gustin for the season.
For Utah … The Utes continue their run of success that has come the past two weeks when they outscored Stanford and Arizona by a combined score of 82-31.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Tyler Huntley, Utah quarterback: What will the junior do for an encore after scoring touchdowns as a passer, rusher and receiver last week?
KEY MATCHUP
Utah’s defense vs. USC’s offense: Freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels faces a tall task against the Utes, who lead the Pac-12 in numerous defensive categories.
QUOTABLE
“We knew coming into the season that (defense) would have to help us if we wanted to win another Pac-12 title, especially early as we develop an offense.”
— USC coach Clay Helton (Orange County Register)
“We need to focus and try to keep plugging away week by week, starting this week with USC."
— Utah coach Kyle Whittingham
NEXT UP
Utah heads to the Rose Bowl to take on UCLA on Friday, while USC hosts Arizona State on Saturday.
UTAH SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 — Weber State, Won 41-10
Sept. 8 — at Northern Illinois, Won 17-6
Sept. 15 — Washington, Lost 21-7
Sept. 29 — at Washington State, Lost 28-24
Oct. 6 — at Stanford, Won 40-21
Oct. 12 — Arizona, Won 42-10
Oct. 20 — USC (6 p.m., P12N)
Oct. 26 — at UCLA (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Nov. 3 — at Arizona State (TBA)
Nov. 10 — Oregon (TBA)
Nov. 17 — at Colorado (TBA)
Nov. 24 — BYU (TBA)
All times Mountain