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USC Trojans Survive Scare From Utah, 28-27, to Move in Control Of Pac 12 South

The No. 13 USC Trojans escaped with a tight 28-27 win over the Utah Utes in front of 72,382 at the L.A. Coliseum on Saturday night.

The No. 13 USC Trojans escaped with a tight 28-27 win over the Utah Utes in front of 72,382 at the L.A. Coliseum on Saturday night.

USC played their smartest football on the drive in the final quarter, sticking to their running game that led to a dramatic flip in the endzone for the winning touchdown by Ronald Jones. Jones played 13 straight games with a touchdown score. 

The defense was unable to stop two Utah third down conversions, that resulted in a touchdown by Troy Williams. The Utes decided to press their luck and go for a two point conversation that failed. The biggest and most important play of the game by the Trojans defense tonight. 

This was an important game for the Trojans, as it had all implications of who would control the Pac-12 South to represent the division in the Pac-12 championship game in December. The Trojans were off to their best start in five seasons. 

USC holds an 11-5 record over Utah, including 8-1 in Los Angeles, (with wins in the past 7 L.A. matchups). USC won their last 13 home games including demolishing the Oregon State Beavers last Saturday 38-10.

It appeared the Trojans looked to set the tone early offensively, until Darnold fumbled on a hand off as Utah's Bradlee Anae recovered on the 34 yard line. The Trojans held firm against Utah forcing a quick three and out. Once again the Trojans offense continued to be stagnant, as they were unable to score on the following drive. 

The Utes capitalized on the opportunities offensively, as quarterback Troy Williams moved the chains down the field. On a huge third down, Williams threw a pick to USC's Cameron Smith in the red zone. Smith captured his fourth career interception, all four interceptions were against the Utes. After the Trojans begin their next drive, Darnold coughed up his 2nd fumble of the game, and Marquise Blair recovered for the 18 yard run into the endzone. Utah led 7-0 in the first quarter. 

Later in the quarter, Darnold redeemed himself with a 52 yard pass to Tyler Petitie for the tying touchdown.

After a careless holding penalty on Trojans' cornerback, Iman Marshall, the Utes remained alive as Williams failed to find an open target on third down. Utah kicker Matt Gay settled for a 33 yard field good that was no good. 

Later in the second quarter, Darnold continued to get in his own way, fumbling a pass intended for Ronald Jones where Utah recovered.

Several plays later, Williams found a sprinting Damri Simpkins for the 33 yard touchdown pass, as Utes led 21-7 at halftime.  

Between the bad play calling, penalties, and fumbles, the Trojans searched for answers to get back on track, and out of the vortex of negating progress.

It appeared Darnold settled down and found his rhythm, as he drove USC down the field with their best drive of the game late in the third quarter. He escaped two attempted sacks by the Utes and found Petite in the back of the endzone for his second touchdown of the night as they trailed 21-14.

With USC's time running short, Darnold had to pull out all the stops in the final quarter, finding Deontay Burnett for a 16-yard catch for the 1st down. One play later, Stephen Mitchell ran for 20 yard gain, which set up a Darnold pass to Josh Falo for the 4-yard touchdown catch. 

The Trojans continue to control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South and own the tie breaker over Utah.

Watch the video below for the highlights of the game.

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