Incredible stat highlights USC's struggles against Utah in recent years
USC led 17-3 in the second quarter of Friday night’s Pac-12 Championship Game in Las Vegas.
It was then outscored 44-7 the rest of the way. According to ESPN Stats and Info, it’s the fifth time in the last 10 years the Trojans have led by 14 points or more in a game and lost. The Trojans are 64-5 in such games during that time.
Four of the five losses have come against Utah.
USC is 64-5 over the last 10 seasons when leading by 14 points or more.
Four of those five losses are against Utah. pic.twitter.com/XO3NAl6kHg
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 3, 2022
The latest loss was a slow burn that turned into an avalanche that crushed the Trojans. USC was rolling in the first quarter, scoring touchdowns on each of its first two drives. Utah’s defense busted multiple times, yielding big plays to the Trojans as a result of poor eye discipline.
The dual-threat danger of Caleb Williams was clearly on the minds of the Utah defenders.
A clearly-hobbled Williams changed things for USC in the second half. So often this season, Williams has hurt teams with his ability to extend plays and work off-schedule. With Williams confined to the pocket, Utah teed off on him, sacking him seven times in the game.
Utah dominated the line of scrimmage and outscored the Trojans 30-7 in the second half to claim the title.