Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) throws a pass against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) AP
Dirk Facer
By Dirk Facer

LOS ANGELES — There was obvious disappointment. Friday’s 30-23 loss to USC wasn’t what the 10th-ranked Utah Utes had in mind so early in a season loaded with expectations and high hopes.

“This is a tough group. They’re proud. They’re hard-working,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “They’re mature and have great leadership.”

Whittingham added a belief that no team would make it through the Pac-12 South undefeated.

“So we still have a shot,” he said. “We have a lot of football left to play.”

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Southern California wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) makes a touchdown catch over Utah defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California quarterback Matt Fink (19) pitches to running back Vavae Malepeai (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) makes a touchdown catch over Utah defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) makes a touchdown catch between Utah defensive backs Javelin Guidry, left, and Julian Blackmon during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley calls out to teammates at the line of scrimmage, against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) throws a pass against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) is hit by by Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah running back Zack Moss carries against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California quarterback Matt Fink throws a pass against Utah during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley, center, lunges for yardage next to Southern California cornerback Chris Steele (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah running back Devonta'e Henry-Cole (7) runs in for a touchdown against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah running back Devonta'e Henry-Cole (7) runs in for a touchdown against Southern California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California cornerback Greg Johnson (9) picks up a Utah fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah running back Devonta'e Henry-Cole (7) runs past Southern California linebacker Palaie Gaoteote IV (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley is tackled by Southern California linebacker Palaie Gaoteote IV, back, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) is tackled in the end zone by Southern California defensive lineman Drake Jackson (99) for a safety during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (6) makes a catch against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (6) makes a catch in front of Utah defensive back Julian Blackmon (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP
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Southern California running back Markese Stepp, second from left, points after rushing for a touchdown against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | AP
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Southern California coach Clay Helton, left, hugs quarterback Matt Fink after the team's 30-23 win over Utah in an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | AP
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Southern California coach Clay Helton, center, runs onto the field with his team for an NCAA college football game against Utah on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) | Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

The Utes (3-1, 0-1) get back at it Saturday at home against Washington State. The game against the Cougars follows a subpar performance by Utah’s defense when it comes to defending the pass. The Utes allowed USC to throw for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

Whittingham acknowledged that allowing deep passes was one of three things that cost the Utes a victory in their Pac-12 opener. The other variables included a costly fumble on the 2-yard line late in the first half and 16 penalties for 120 yards.

The negatives outweighed the positives on a night when Utah had more total offense (457 to 381), rushing yards (247 to 13), first downs (27 to 16) and time of possession (38:12 to 21:48).

“We out-stat-ed them. But that doesn’t mean anything,” Whittingham said. “We did move the ball up and down the field and they couldn’t run the ball on us at all. But those three things (penalties, the turnover just before halftime and USC’s receivers) cost us.”

The loss of running back Zack Moss also hurt. The senior was limited to 20 yards on six carries before leaving with an apparent shoulder injury. He will be re-evaluated this weekend.

Although quarterback Tyler Huntley noted that Moss was “definitely missed,” he said that the Utes needed to take better advantage of their chances and make plays that were there.

And there’s more.

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“We have to move forward,” Huntley said. “We have to go in the film room, we have to go hard in practice and that’s all we can do.”

After all, there are still eight Pac-12 games left to play. Last season, Utah overcame an 0-2 conference start and won its first outright South Division title.

“I firmly believe no one is going undefeated in the South and we were in this position last year,” Whittingham said. “So it’s nothing new to us. Nothing we can’t handle. It’s just disappointing to come so close but come up short.”

EXTRA POINTS: Utah statistical leaders in the USC game include Devin Brumfield (63 yards rushing and four receptions), Huntley (210 yards passing), Terrell Burgess (one interception), Devin Lloyd (seven tackles), Bradlee Anae (two tackles for loss including one sack), Leki Fotu (forced fumble), Mika Tafua (fumble recovery) and Julian Blackmon (pass breakup) . . . Utah’s defense entered the game with a streak of six consecutive shutout quarters. USC snapped it with 14 in the first . . . The Trojans averaged 16 yards per completion . . . The Utes have lost nine straight at USC. Their last win came in 1916.

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