Utah Is Injury Depleted, But USC Has Major Distractions Circling The Program Ahead Of Their Matchup

The Trojans seem to be in a fragile state ahead of their Week 8 showing against Utah

In what is not a rivalry game according to Utah's head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes are headed to Los Angeles to take on No. 18 USC.

No. 14 Utah is looking to win its fourth straight meeting against USC, and while the Utes are riddled with injury, losing two more players to season-ending injuries, the sharks are circling at USC. The Trojans are 6-1 on the year, but with how upset the fans are and how much criticism they have received as of late from the media, you would think they are 1-6. 

There are three major storylines that could prevent USC from being on their "A game" against Utah, so let's take a look at the buzz around the program.

DC Alex Grinch On The Hot Seat

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The USC defense ranks No. 93 in the country in total defense, No. 97 in scoring defense, and is constantly missing tackles. On top of their struggles off the field, Lincoln Riley is constantly being asked about why the defense is playing as poorly as it is and what the status of Alex Grinch is. His defensive coordinator followed him over from Oklahoma, and there hasn't been much if any improvement from his unit which has many counting down the days before his time is up. All this pressure can weigh on the defense against a Utah team that will be extremely physical. 

Caleb Williams' Meltdown Against Notre Dame

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Caleb Williams is the best quarterback in college football and for the most part, everything has come easy for him. In USC's three losses a year ago, it was the defense that was to blame for the loss, but in their loss to Notre Dame Williams looked subpar and was clearly rattled. He threw three interceptions for the first time in his career, and was visibly upset on the sidelines and was clearly still bothered this week when asked about the game and the fan who was bugging him after the game. For the first time in two years, he is no longer being viewed as the unanimous top quarterback, with Micael Penix Jr. and Drake Maye picking up steam. He may try to force the issue to regain the spotlight, which could lead to more mistakes. 

Lincoln Riley To The NFL Rumors

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In a recent interview, Lincoln Riley laid the groundwork of implying that he may not be coaching for as long as other notable coaches around college football and that he doesn't want to have regrets in life. This, while it was out of left field, wasn't too shocking, but what has been more shocking is the recent reports that he may be looking to make the jump to the NFL with Williams. Obviously, when a team is struggling like they are, a rumor like this could lead to the whole program imploding. Riley is only in year two at USC, and his leaving right before a jump to the Big Ten would shake them to their core. Not to mention, players will now be constantly asked about their coach leaving.