Utah- USC

[LandoComando]

USC Resume
11-2

Losses: Utah 2x (top 10 team)
Road Wins: 15 Oregon State 17 UCLA
Home Wins: 21 Notre Dame

They were luck they avoid Washington and Oregon this year but there's not there's 10 teams with a better resume. There's not 8 with a better resume and I don't think USC is very good but it's about the resume.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Then I could say if Utah is such a world beater, it shouldn’t have taken them until the fourth quarter to blow out a team with a bad defense and a one legged QB. I’m not sure why people think I’m supporting USC, because I’m not. I’m just trying to not overreact to this win by Utah and keep it in perspective.

Um....Utah was down 2 touchdowns with 4 minutes left in the 1st half. 5 minutes into the 2nd half they were up 7. That's more significant than pulling away later in the game. They took over the game after the failed 4th down. They put the game out of reach 20 minutes later.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Um....Utah was down 2 touchdowns with 4 minutes left in the 1st half. 5 minutes into the 2nd half they were up 7. That's more significant than pulling away later in the game. They took over the game after the failed 4th down. The put the game out of reach 20 minutes later.

So in 20 minutes of game time they went from down 2 touchdowns to up 2 touchdowns, but they didn't dominate till the 4 quarter. Ok then, makes sense.

 

[AWS1022]

Um....Utah was down 2 touchdowns with 4 minutes left in the 1st half. 5 minutes into the 2nd half they were up 7. That's more significant than pulling away later in the game. They took over the game after the failed 4th down. The put the game out of reach 20 minutes later.

USC was one pass away from making it a three point game with 6 minutes left. They put the game out of reach because of two turnovers at the end.

 

[AWS1022]

So in 20 minutes of game time they went from down 2 touchdowns to up 2 touchdowns, but they didn't dominate till the 4 quarter. Ok then, makes sense.

Right after USC’s QB got hurt…hmm.

 

[lowhandicapper]

USC was one pass away from making it a three point game with 6 minutes left. They put the game out of reach because of two turnovers at the end.

Look man, Utah scored 24 unanswered points in less than 9 minutes on either side of the half. I don't know what else to call that aside from domination. Had USC not got a couple broken plays early this game would have been over at halftime. Once the broken plays went away USC scored precisely 7 points the rest of the game.

 

[LandoComando]

Look man, Utah scored 24 unanswered points in less than 9 minutes on either side of the half. I don't know what else to call that aside from domination. Had USC not got a couple broken plays early this game would have been over at halftime. Once the broken plays went away USC scored precisely 7 points the rest of the game.

Didn't Utah score most half their points are missed tackles?
I mean, you can't just ignore blown coverages--that's part of the game
It was a 3 point game in the 4th. I didn't think USC would win but it was a 3 point game.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Didn't Utah score most half their points are missed tackles?
I mean, you can't just ignore blown coverages--that's part of the game
It was a 3 point game in the 4th. I didn't think USC would win but it was a 3 point game.

There is no cherry to put on top of getting outscored 44 to 10 in the final three stanzas.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Didn't Utah score most half their points are missed tackles?
I mean, you can't just ignore blown coverages--that's part of the game
It was a 3 point game in the 4th. I didn't think USC would win but it was a 3 point game.

It certainly works both ways. USC's 1st two scores were solely reliant on two busted coverages. A guy literally running free. Which is more a defensive mistake than anything. Williams made a great run. It's not like he was going to make 7 of them and run for 300 yards. That's not how this works, not for Saquon Barkley or Lamar Jackson or Caleb Williams. They make a big play or two in a game, then it settles.

 

[tlbakernc]

Random thoughts:
1. The game well have gone the other way had Williams not been hurt, but he was and that’s part of the game. Props to ut. But I truly believe Williams may end up a generational qb talent.
2. Tosu will clearly be in the cfp as a one loss team. But what if tcu loses? While I think tcu is out at that point even as a one loss, I’m honestly not sure why AL seems to be the consensus pick among 2 loss teams. First, they lost head to head to TN. Second, their losses (7/14) aren’t materially better than either TN’s (1/19) or Psu’s (2/5). Third, tn’s wins are just as good if not better, though psu’s are probably not as good.

Generational talent's don’t paint their nails then pout like a baby on the sidelines after losing. Cam Newton comes to mind. Million dollar talent with ten cent maturity.

 

[AWS1022]

Look man, Utah scored 24 unanswered points in less than 9 minutes on either side of the half. I don't know what else to call that aside from domination. Had USC not got a couple broken plays early this game would have been over at halftime. Once the broken plays went away USC scored precisely 7 points the rest of the game.

Yep, they played well, but what would have happened had Williams not gotten hurt? Every game is different and things broke well for Utah. They’re a good team who got some momentum and rolled….they certainly exposed the fact that USC’s defense is not good and hasn’t been all year.

 

[KC-KS-Lion]

I just think USC did about as well as can be expected for a first year coach, even with all the quality transfers. What often surprises me about college ball is the gap between the quality of offensive and defensive play when the head coach is considered a genius on one side-I see that with OSU and USC. I think the QB has phenomenal talent, but seems to be obsessed with quickly moving outside the pocket...like he's trying to be Patrick Mahomes 2.0. Next year might be very interesting and telling for their program. I'm not sure how much talent is leaving or what space there is for more imported talent...as an aside, a Penn State-USC bowl game would be interesting.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Yep, they played well, but what would have happened had Williams not gotten hurt? Every game is different and things broke well for Utah. They’re a good team who got some momentum and rolled….they certainly exposed the fact that USC’s defense is not good and hasn’t been all year.

I wonder what would have happened if Utah's #1 receiver was healthy and their tight end, who dominated USC in game 1.0, wasn't banged up and nearly non-factor? Does that balance out the guy hurting his pinky, then his hamstring?

 

[LandoComando]

I wonder what would have happened if Utah's #1 receiver was healthy and their tight end, who dominated USC in game 1.0, wasn't banged up and nearly non-factor? Does that balance out the guy hurting his pinky, then his hamstring?

Losing a QB is different. See Penn State-Iowa without Clifford. Caleb shouldn't have been in the game but even if he wasn't take out USC was done. Their TE wasn't a non factor. USC was bracketing him.

 

[AWS1022]

I wonder what would have happened if Utah's #1 receiver was healthy and their tight end, who dominated USC in game 1.0, wasn't banged up and nearly non-factor? Does that balance out the guy hurting his pinky, then his hamstring?

No, nothing balances out having your Heisman leading QB get hurt, nothing. You can’t replace a player like that, period.

 

[ncgolfer]

USC and their rogue bunch of transfer portal poaches got that damn good beatin’ they needed last night. No playoff bid for this group of outlaws.

 

[NewEra 2014]

I would think a Penn State team that began unranked, and was a consensus 8-4 team, would be plenty motivated to win the Rose Bowl also

You would think wrong.

 

[Psugo823]

You would think wrong.

No, I would think right. Sorry you don't believe in your own team.

 

[rrdd2021]

If we'd have won against OSU they'd put Bama in even with two losses because of the way Michigan beat us and OSU. Saying that embarrassing loss is too much to overcome vs close losses in the tough SEC. The same thought pattern and rules don't apply to OSU, so they're in because everyone knows how great and deserving they are.
I could be wrong, but sadly I believe that Michigan will old school steam roll all of them. No Corum hurts them but they are not playing the offense that teams are made to stop. Maybe Georgia has the horses, but athletes alone isn't enough.

It comes down to 1-loss teams vs 2-loss teams. It's that simple. Like it ornot, no 2-loss team has ver made the playoffs and with the format expanding to 12 in 2024, probably never will with the current 4-team field

Bama WOULD NOT be chosen ahead of a 1-loss PSU this year.

 

[LandoComando]

No, I would think right. Sorry you don't believe in your own team.

It's not about believing in them. It's about creating a nonsensical reason to provide extra motivation for them
I'm staying out of Rose Bowl talk as much as possible because the game is a scrimmage but tons of things would be more motivating than pretending to care they were unranked at the beginning of the year.

 

[LandoComando]

It comes down to 1-loss teams vs 2-loss teams. It's that simple. Like it ornot, no 2-loss team has ver made the playoffs and with the format expanding to 12 in 2024, probably never will with the current 4-team field

Bama WOULD NOT be chosen ahead of a 1-loss PSU this year.

Agreed. Bama would not be ahead of a 1 loss Penn State with a win over Ohio State. They might jump a 1 loss TCU though

 

[rrdd2021]

Didn't Utah score most half their points are missed tackles?
I mean, you can't just ignore blown coverages--that's part of the game
It was a 3 point game in the 4th. I didn't think USC would win but it was a 3 point game.

You're describing - exactly - what happened in the OSU-Michigan game and to a lesser extent, the PSU-OSU game. Could the losing team in those games have won them - yes. But like you mentioned, blown coverages and missed tackles.

I honestly think that PSU could actually beat both Michigan and OSU today and OSU could beat Michigan even though the losing teams got - somewhat - blown out and let those games get away from them with sloppy defense.

 

[PSUEngineer89]

You're describing - exactly - what happened in the OSU-Michigan game and to a lesser extent, the PSU-OSU game. Could the losing team in those games have won them - yes. But like you mentioned, blown coverages and missed tackles.

I honestly think that PSU could actually beat both Michigan and OSU today and OSU could beat Michigan even though the losing teams got - somewhat - blown out and let those games get away from them with sloppy defense.

Beat OSU? Yes.

Beat Michigan? Doesn’t feel like it

 

[rrdd2021]

Agreed. Bama would not be ahead of a 1 loss Penn State with a win over Ohio State. They might jump a 1 loss TCU though

I disagree as I think the LAST thing the committee wants to project is favoritism to an Alabama team with 2 losses. I could be totally wrong, though, as we'll find out for sure with the selections.

My point is that too many people - on this board - like to throw out how DAMAGING a 2nd loss can be with the Selection Committee. It's basically a death blow

 

[bvillebaron]

You realize USC has the 91st ranked defense? Not exactly a stellar defensive team.

That’s nice. So what’s the argument:that USC would have scored 48 or more if Williams played? My simple point is that Williams getting hurt doesn’t make a damn bit of difference if Utah scores 47 on your defense. Geez.

 

[rrdd2021]

Beat OSU? Yes.

Beat Michigan? Doesn’t feel like it

Not so sure and, yes, I remember the rushing yards PSU gave up. Motivation (and a little revenge) plays a big part in the 2nd meetings of teams during the season. PSU is not that much worse than Michigan.

 

[scrivener]

Not so sure and, yes, I remember the rushing yards PSU gave up. Motivation (and a little revenge) plays a big part in the 2nd meetings of teams during the season. PSU is not that much worse than Michigan.

Why wouldn't we have been motivated then in a 1st meeting with Michigan? I agree as a whole that when u play a team can make a difference. But, if we played them today, we still have a very inconsistent pass game without a deep threat, and a lack of size up front.

 

[lazydave841]

Utah was predicted by many to contend for a title this year. The opening loss hurt and truthfully the should have beat UCLA and probably Oregon but they didn't so here we are with a solid season

I'd say it's a major letdown for Utah. Preseason top 10 team, highest rated from the PAC 12. They should have beat Florida if they should have beat anybody. Ball inside the 5, QB threw a stupid pass to cost them that game.

Of course, PAC 12 is weird. Washington and Oregon are probably better teams than USC and Utah this year. USC missed both of them. Washington missed USC and Utah, beat both Oregon schools, but dropped a head scratcher to the Sun Devils.

 

[fastlax16]

Of course, PAC 12 is weird. Washington and Oregon are probably better teams than USC and Utah this year. USC missed both of them. Washington missed USC and Utah, beat both Oregon schools, but dropped a head scratcher to the Sun Devils.

This is why anyone who wants locked in rivalries with OSU and UM is nuts.

 

[LandoComando]

This is why anyone who wants locked in rivalries with OSU and UM is nuts.

Ehhh...the Big Ten should want Penn State Michigan Ohio State and USC to all play each other every year. $$$$$$

 

[tlbakernc]

It comes down to 1-loss teams vs 2-loss teams. It's that simple. Like it ornot, no 2-loss team has ver made the playoffs and with the format expanding to 12 in 2024, probably never will with the current 4-team field

Bama WOULD NOT be chosen ahead of a 1-loss PSU this year.

Media is making a big push for 3 loss LSU to be top 4

 

[ND Heaven68]

Media is making a big push for 3 loss LSU to be top 4

They can push all they want but multiple losses (2 or more) is just the death sentence for the Playoffs. Not going to happen

Honestly, can't wait for the 12 team Playoff format to get here. Will be more of a true NC

 

[tlbakernc]

You're describing - exactly - what happened in the OSU-Michigan game and to a lesser extent, the PSU-OSU game. Could the losing team in those games have won them - yes. But like you mentioned, blown coverages and missed tackles.

I honestly think that PSU could actually beat both Michigan and OSU today and OSU could beat Michigan even though the losing teams got - somewhat - blown out and let those games get away from them with sloppy defense.

I’m still miffed that OSU lost to Michigan, especially with Michigan’s starting RB out. I turned off channels when OSU was up 10-3. Was shocked when I tuned back into seeing OSU getting their backsides kicked. OSU got worse as the season went on. Think DC’s have figured out CJ’s weakness for not dealing well with pressure. Past few weeks had to cost CJ a few draft spots.

 

[AWS1022]

That’s nice. So what’s the argument:that USC would have scored 48 or more if Williams played? My simple point is that Williams getting hurt doesn’t make a damn bit of difference if Utah scores 47 on your defense. Geez.

It does make a damn difference if Williams and the offense score 48 (which they could have). Also, if Williams didn’t get hurt I don’t see Utah scoring 47…they wouldn’t have had the ball nearly as much.

 

[Nbergbuck]

I’m still miffed that OSU lost to Michigan, especially with Michigan’s starting RB out. I turned off channels when OSU was up 10-3. Was shocked when I tuned back into seeing OSU getting their backsides kicked. OSU got worse as the season went on. Think DC’s have figured out CJ’s weakness for not dealing well with pressure. Past few weeks had to cost CJ a few draft spots.

OSU did go downhill in November. Injuries were certainly part of it. Top 2 RB's out and best WR never really did play. They should be in better shape for the bowl/playoff season. That said, OSU did not play well against UM injuries aside.

 

[OzLion]

Watching Utah last night, they reminded me allot of watching PSU at the end of the season. Physical defense with some athletes. I hope its PSU vs UU in the Rose Bowl, it would be a fun, physical game.

 

[LandoComando]

Media is making a big push for 3 loss LSU to be top 4

lol what?

 

[ND Heaven68]

OSU did go downhill in November. Injuries were certainly part of it. Top 2 RB's out and best WR never really did play. They should be in better shape for the bowl/playoff season. That said, OSU did not play well against UM injuries aside.

Definitely a hard team to figure out but the talent is there. They - somehow - must figure out a way to stop the pass. Been an ongoing problem for 2 or 3 years now. A puzzler. But they do have the talent to win it all. Didn't Michigan plant their flag in Ohio Stadium after the game. Maybe not the smartest move

 

[psuno1]

Ehhh...the Big Ten should want Penn State Michigan Ohio State and USC to all play each other every year. $$$$$$

Yeah why would PSU be in the BIG10 and not play OSU and UM every year. To be the best you have to beat the best and those two are the best in the BIG10.

 

[fastlax16]

Yeah why would PSU be in the BIG10 and not play OSU and UM every year. To be the best you have to beat the best and those two are the best in the BIG10.

Nonsense. Alabama and UGA almost never play in the regular season and it has worked out fine and dandy for them and the SEC, significantly better than if they played annually.

The name of the game is minimizing losses above all else. The sec gets it, the big ten doesn’t.