The USC Trojans host the Utah Utes in Week 8 NCAA football action this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. USC (6-1), the No. 18 team in the latest AP Top 25 poll. It leads the Pac-12 and is coming off its first loss, 48-20, at Notre Dame last week. No. 14 Utah (5-1) is in fourth place in the Pac-12, with its sole loss coming at Oregon State on Sept. 29. The Trojans are [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”spread-home” query=”533283″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] favorites, and the over/under line for this conference matchup is [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”overUnder” query=”533283″ site_id=”legalsportsreport”] points.
Below, we take a closer look at Saturday’s week 8 Utah vs. USC game, with info on the odds, betting lines, and player props.
Caleb Williams Heisman repeat in jeopardy
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and the prospective top pick in the NFL draft next year, Caleb Williams dropped down odds boards to win the Heisman this season when he threw three picks in a loss against Notre Dame last Saturday. Williams will look to bounce back from his first three-interception game in a key conference matchup that could move USC one step closer to the Pac-12 championship and keep the Trojans in the hunt for the College Football Playoff.
Uncertainty at quarterback for Utah
With 2022 Pac-12 MVP Cam Rising rehabbing a significant knee injury that he suffered during the Rose Bowl last season, Utah has been starting junior quarterback Bryson Barnes, with freshman Nate Johnson mixing in as a dual-threat option. Johnson rushed for touchdowns in three straight games to open his campaign and had a pair of efficient games as a passer before he was pulled during a 21-7 loss at Oregon State. Barnes went 15-of-21 for 128 yards to lead Utah in a 34-14 win over California last week with Johnson on the bench.
USC passing offense versus Utah defense
While he struggled last week, Williams is still posting some incredible numbers this season in Lincoln Riley’s pass-heavy scheme. Williams ranks seventh in the nation in passing yards (2,021) and yards per attempt (9.96) with 23 touchdowns and just four interceptions through six outings.
Utah’s defense is strong against the run, but it has struggled at times against the pass. Opponents are averaging 240 passing yards per game against the Utes, but Utah is generating good pressure with the fifth-best sack rate (10.9%) in FBS.
Utah defensive front versus USC offensive line
The Utes are controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball with a defense that is leading the nation at 66.8 rushing yards per game allowed, while their offense is churning out 158.7 rushing yards per game.
Utah has taken three straight matchups from USC and held the Trojans to just 56 rushing yards at 2.1 yards per carry when these teams met in the Pac-12 championship last December. USC has been passing at a high rate (55.4%), and Williams has taken a sack on 6.6% of dropbacks this season.
Utah vs. USC odds and betting lines
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Utah vs. USC player props
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Utah vs. USC injury report
The Trojans lost safety Max Williams to a lower-body injury during their loss at Notre Dame. Defensive backs Domani Jackson, Christian Roland-Wallace, and Jacobe Covington have been dealing with injuries. Offensive lineman Korey Foreman is a key name to watch in practice reports ahead of a matchup with Utah’s defensive front.
Utah recently lost tight end Thomas Yassmin and receiver Mycah Pittman to season-ending injuries. The Utes also lost tailback Micah Bernard for the season along with defensive end Logan Fano. Running back Charlie Vincent is questionable to suit up against USC.