USC vs Utah: Highlights, score and recap

In a Friday night Pac-12 matchup, the Utah Utes hosted the USC Trojans, and it was an instant classic, as Utah won 31-27.

The USC Trojans took to the road to face the #24 Utah Utes on Friday night, as they tried to avoid a 1-3 start to the 2016 season. The Trojans were starting redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold, as he took over from Max Browne after USC got trounced by Stanford last week. USC played well throughout, but in the end, Utah quarterback Troy Williams was just too good.

USC got the ball first, but a fumble gave the Utes the ball back early in the first quarter. Utah ran the ball right down the Trojans throat, as quarterback Troy Williams ran it in from ten yards out to give Utah a 7-0 lead. USC came right back, as Adoree’ Jackson returned the ensuing kick 100 yards for a touchdown. It was his sixth kick return for a touchdown in his career and tied the game at 7-7.

Jackson made his presence felt once Utah got the ball back, recovering a fumble near the right sideline to give USC the ball. The Trojans were driving when they fumbled the ball themselves, giving USC two turnovers in the first quarter.

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The turnovers would continue for USC, who looked over-matched by the Utah defense early. The Utes tacked on a field goal with 6:39 left in the half, but it was all USC the rest of the half. Justin Davis capped off a 100-yard first half with a 14-yard TD, and the Trojans hit a field goal to head into the half up 17-10.

The Trojans would expand their lead in the third quarter, as Darnold ran one in from eight yards out. Down 24-10, the Utes came roaring back into the game, driving the length of the field on the USC defense. The most unlikely guy scored for Utes to cap the drive, as Isaac Asiata fell on a fumble in the end zone for six. The two teams headed to the fourth quarter with the score 24-17 Trojans.

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USC opened up the fourth quarter with another field goal, giving them a ten point lead at 27-17. Utah would not go away, as Troy Williams hit Raelon Singleton for a 10-yard touchdown with 9:45 left in the game. The play was set up by a gutsy call by Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who decided to go for it on fourth down, despite being in field goal range.

The Utes got the ball back with 5:37 left to play and trailing by only three. Utah drove the length of the field, converting on fourth downs, as their running game was just too much for USC. The game was won on a Troy Williams to Tim Patrick touchdown pass with 16 seconds left in the game.

The Utes move to 4-0 on the young season, while USC falls to 1-3.

Highlights

Utah strikes on their opening possession.

USC wastes no time tying the game at 7.

Justin Davis puts USC up 14-10.

Sam Darnold showing why he is starting over Max Browne.

A little trick play to keep the drive going.

Williams hits Singleton for a 10-yard score.

Troy Williams to Tim Patrick for the game-winner.

Quite the impressive comeback win for Utah as USC completely let this game slip away as they fell to 1-3 on the year.