When it comes to memorable college football matchups in the Pac-12, the USC Trojans and the Utah Utes have a history of delivering some intense and unforgettable games. As we revisit the top five games in the history of this conference series, you’ll witness dramatic finishes, standout performances, and moments that left a mark on Pac-12 football history.
1. USC vs. Utah – September 10, 2011
In the inaugural week of the expanded Pac-12 conference, USC clashed with Utah, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. The game came down to the wire, with USC’s Matt Kalil making a game-changing block on Utah’s potential game-tying field goal. Torin Harris returned it for a touchdown, but a penalty initially negated the score, marking the first appearance of the notorious "Pac-12Refs" controversy. This game set the tone for the rivalry.
2. USC vs. Utah – October 26, 2014
Four seasons into Utah’s Pac-12 era, they secured their first conference win over USC. Travis Wilson’s last-minute touchdown pass to Kaelin Clay sealed the victory. Wilson had a previous touchdown taken away when he was ruled down at the one-yard line, adding to the drama. Freshman Adoree’ Jackson’s remarkable play on both defense and special teams made this game one for the history books.
3. USC vs. Utah – October 14, 2017
A game that displayed the resilience of the Trojans, as they overcame a 14-point halftime deficit. USC’s defense managed to stop Troy Williams’ two-point conversion attempt with only 42 seconds remaining, completing a remarkable comeback. The Trojans scored on long, impressive drives in the second half, ultimately securing a 28-27 win. This game was a true test of USC’s mettle.
4. USC vs. Utah – September 20, 2019
USC’s Matt Fink, often in the shadow of star quarterbacks, had his moment against Utah. After injuries to JT Daniels and Kedon Slovis, Fink led USC to an upset victory. His 351 passing yards and three touchdown passes proved pivotal. A career-high 232 yards connection with Michael Pittman Jr., including a spectacular 77-yard touchdown, led to a 30-23 triumph over the 10th-ranked Utah Utes.
5. USC vs. Utah – Date (TBD)
With USC playing its final season in the Pac-12, these historic clashes against Utah have only added to the excitement and legacy of the conference. As we await the next chapter in this compelling rivalry, let’s cherish the top five Pac-12 football games between USC and Utah, each filled with memorable moments and incredible football action.
Don’t miss the chance to witness future epic showdowns as these two powerhouse teams continue to leave their mark on the Pac-12’s rich football history.
Key Moments in the Pac-12 Football Rivalry
Should Utah Beat USC in the Pac-12?
USC’s position at the top of the Pac-12 conference standings at 4-0 has added a layer of intrigue to the race for the league title. However, they are closely pursued by Washington at 3-0. Utah, one of three one-loss teams in the Pac-12, finds themselves in a fiercely competitive field alongside Oregon and No. 12 Oregon State.
To secure their chances in the race for the league title, the two-time defending champion Utes must emerge victorious against USC. The outcome of this upcoming clash may prove pivotal in determining the Pac-12’s future frontrunner.
Is USC a Pac-12 Champion?
In the last decade (2011-2021), the South Division champion faced challenges in the title game with a record of 2-9. As of the current season, the Utes are on a mission to secure back-to-back Pac-12 championships, having claimed the title in 2021. In contrast, the Trojans are determined to seize their first Pac-12 championship since 2017. Notably, USC holds the fourth position in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings, while Utah stands at 11th.
The quest for Pac-12 glory continues as these two formidable teams vie for the prestigious title.
When is the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game?
The highly-anticipated 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game will showcase USC and Utah, both of whom have had remarkable regular seasons. This clash is scheduled for Friday, December 2, and will take place at the iconic Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Notably, these two teams faced off earlier in the season, with Utah narrowly edging out USC with a 43-42 victory, handing USC its sole loss of the season.
Save the date for a thrilling showdown in Las Vegas as the Pac-12 Championship Game promises high-stakes excitement.
Where can I watch USC vs Utah?
To catch the action between USC and Utah, tune in on Friday, December 2, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX and is also available for online streaming on FOX Sports. For live scoring updates, you can stay updated [here](insert live scoring link). If you’re interested in a statistical breakdown of the Trojans and Utes, here’s how they match up.
Get ready for an exciting showdown, and don’t miss a moment as USC takes on Utah in a critical matchup.
What happened to the Pac-12?
The Pac-12 has undergone a significant transformation, shrinking to just two members. Recent news revealed that Stanford and California are set to depart for the Atlantic Coast Conference next year, marking a rapid decline for a conference with a rich century-old history. Washington State and Oregon State are the only remaining members.
This development marks a profound shift in the landscape of collegiate athletics, leaving the Pac-12 forever changed.
Where did Pac-12 teams go?
The Pac-12 has experienced significant changes, as four of its member schools have been poached by the Big 12 for the upcoming year. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah are set to make the move. As a result, the Pac-12 will be left with only Oregon State and Washington State.
This shift in collegiate conference alignments signifies a new era for both the Pac-12 and Big 12, impacting the landscape of college sports.
