Keys To Utah Beating USC For A Fourth Consecutive Time

Utah has a must-win game against USC on Saturday

This season has been less than ideal for Utah due to all of their injury issues, but they have prevailed and are sitting with a 5-1 record and are ranked as the No. 14 team in the country. 

However, they have the biggest test of their season on Saturday against No. 18 USC, who are coming off an embarrassing loss at the hands of No. 21 Notre Dame. The Utes are looking to beat USC for a fourth game in a row, but being that there are so many uncertainties around this team they will not be able to afford to allow Caleb Williams and company to get hot due to the fact they likely can't keep up offensively. 

The Trojans had steadily been falling in the rankings prior to their loss, but they still have the potential to be one of the best teams in the country if they figure a few things out. While no team ever wants to lose, the Trojans can afford a loss and still make it to the Pac-12 title game, whereas a loss for the Utes would likely end their hopes of winning a third-straight Pac-12 title.

Notre Dame provided the perfect blueprint for Utah this past weekend when it comes to silencing USC, so let's take a look at the keys to victory for the Utes. 

Stop The Run

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USC isn't known for having the most prolific run game, but they do like to have a nice balance between the run and pass. If Utah is able to eliminate the run, while taking away easy throws for Caleb Williams, they may be able to force the 2022 Heisman winner into making some mistakes. Utah statistically has the best run defense in the country, and USC's offensive line is extremely flawed so this could be a huge advantage for the Utes. 

Pressure Caleb Williams

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Utah has one of the best pass rushes in the country led by Jonah Elliss, who leads the country in sacks. Notre Dame got to Caleb Williams six times last week, and on top of preventing the offense from hurting them and scoring, it forced him to turn the ball over and lose his cool. The Fighting Irish had Williams skittish in the backfield, and constantly making poor decisions, so if the Utes can not only pressure him but bring him down as well, Williams may fold under the pressure again. 

Run The Ball Down Their Throat

Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Unless Cam Rising returns, which at this point it is starting to feel more likely we don't see him at all this year, Utah hasn't been passing effectively. They rank No. 122 in passing offense in the country, but what they lack in the aerial attack they make up for on the ground. They may have found the perfect two-punch combo in Ja'Quinden Jackson and Sione Vaki this past game, as the two combined for 252 yards on 37 carries while adding three scores. USC is not a physical team by any means, so if Utah is able to establish the run and control the line of scrimmage and the time of possession, they should be able to secure a fourth-straight victory over the Trojans.