Laying the number with the Trojans has not been beneficial this season. But Utah is not the type of team that thrives in up-tempo situations. Look for its defense to wear down and the Trojans to put on a show.

The public is infatuated with USC. It drives the spread so high that the Trojans, though with only one straight-up setback, have covered but once. The euphoria from the amazing Rose Bowl game comeback against Penn State behind QB Sam Darnold should have worn off by now. The offensive line is beat up, and Darnold has proved himself human this year. The Utes downed USC last season and are keeping their QB plans under wraps, forcing the Trojans to prepare for both Troy Williams and Tyler Huntley (shoulder), who has been ailing. Playing away from home is no biggie to the Utes. They have covered five times in a row.

I'm a big fan of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. He will always have his players ready to play, and this is the types of game the Utes show up for. This will be tightly competitive.