GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: USC’s rushing attack has been remarkably up-and-down throughout the 2018 campaign, going for more than 200 yards as a team twice, and under 100 yards twice, including last week’s win over Colorado.
Jump-starting the rushing attack may be a tall task in the coming week, with the Trojans facing a Utah defense ranked No. 2 nationally against the run. The Utes are allowing opponents just 74.8 yards per game on the ground, and 2.4 yards per carry. USC’s blocking of defensive linemen Bradlee Anae and John Penisini could prove critical to the Trojans’ prospects of employing the balanced offense coach Clay Helton preaches.
DRAFT SLANT
–LB/DE Porter Gustin’s season ended due to an ankle fracture sustained last week against Colorado. Projected as a possible first-round selection, Gustin will undergo surgery this week with an eye on returning for pre-draft workouts in three-to-four months, according to USC coach Clay Helton. “Whoever gets him in the NFL is getting a rare commodity,” Helton said.
ROSTER REPORT:
–LB/DE Porter Gustin fractured his ankle late in the fourth quarter against Colorado, ending his season.
–LB Cameron Smith, who missed the game vs. Colorado with a hamstring injury, is questionable to return at Utah.
–DT Brandon Pili sustained a knee sprain against Colorado and was removed from the game.
–CB Jonathan Lockett was removed from the lineup vs. Colorado due to hip soreness.
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