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Game Preview: No. 7 USC Football Faces Biggest Test Yet in No. 22 Utah at Rice-Eccles
October 13, 2022 | Football
Who: No. 7 USC vs No. 20Â Utah
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 at 5pm PT/ 6pm MT on FOX
All-time series: USC leads, 13-7
Last meeting: Utah won 42-26 in Los Angeles
ÂUtah Player Spotlight:
ÂQuarterback Cam Rising:
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Junior signal caller who is a threat both through the air and on the ground
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So far in 2022:
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118 of 171 for 1,440 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions
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36 carries for 249 yards with 3 rushing touchdowns
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Second in rushing yards for Pac-12 QBs
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Currently Utah's second leading rusher
Cornerback Clark Phillips:
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5 interceptions on the season, including 2 Pick 6s
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Currently tied for first in FBS
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Recorded 3 INTs against Oregon State
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Has 4 career Pick 6s
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Tied for first on Utah's all-time Pick 6 list
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Leads Utah in most tackles among returners
Keys to the Game:
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Force Cam Rising to be a True Pocket Passer
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USC will face its third consecutive mobile quarterback Saturday in Utah's Cam Rising. The junior quarterback is the Utes second leading rusher so far in 2022 and presents a unique challenge due to his physical running style. Inside linebacker Ralen Goforth described Rising as a running back when he does hang onto the ball, creating a true dual-threat matchup for the Trojans' defense. It will be critical for USC to gang tackle, as one defender will not be able to stop Rising's ability to break through tackles.Â
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"If you think the quarterback is gonna go down easy, certainly, that doesn't take you much film to realize that's not the case," USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch explained. "He has really, really good speed…You've got to make sure that as best you can, it's not just one guy trying to get him down - similar to how you would describe a running back going through the hole. Solo tackles are very, very difficult on a guy of his ability."
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Start Fast on Offense
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Anyone familiar with the Pac-12 knows how difficult it is to play at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Trojans must make it a priority to start fast on offense in order to limit Utah's rowdy crowd and home advantage. In addition, USC tends to have a strong performance overall if the team is able to score in its first few possessions of the game.
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So far in 2022, the Trojans have scored within the first five minutes in four out of their six games. When USC has accomplished that task it has also:
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Outscored its opponents 56-21 in the first quarter
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Outscored its opponents 104-55 in the first half
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Outscored it opponents 194-84 in games
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Averaged 48.5 PPG
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Conversely, USC's two lowest scoring outputs in 2022 are the two games where the team did not score within the first five minutes of the first quarter.
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Continue to Win the Turnover Battle
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Last week's matchup against Washington State marked the first time USC did not record a takeaway in a game this season. The Trojans' defense prides itself on its "three-and-out or take away" mindset and it's important for the team to return to the tone it's set so far this season. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch shared how his coaching staff has preached that message to the Trojans this week.
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"We don't do this, 'Aw, shucks. We didn't get it. It's fine!'" Grinch explained. "Obviously you never know the full impact [of not winning the turnover battle], but believe me, it had an impact on that football game. We can't be ok with that."
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There is also an added benefit for quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of USC's offense if its defenders can lead the way with turnovers. While USC boasts the top turnover margin in the country and the most interceptions in the country, Utah has made its own splash with takeaways. The Utes rank fourth in the nation in interceptions, thanks in large part to cornerback Clark Phillips. The sophomore has five interceptions so far on the season, including two Pick 6s. Thus, it will be critical for USC's offense to continue its streak of protecting the ball.
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