2 min read • November 30, 2022
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The Utah Utes will face USC in the Pac-12 championship game. Utah is the only team to beat USC this season. They have only suffered one loss since they played the Trojans. But, the team's injuries have increased since the USC game.
Quarterback Cameron Rising dominated the Trojans the last time the team played, throwing for 415 yards and five total touchdowns. He was a thorn in the side of an inexperienced USC defense. But Rising hasn't been 100% healthy since suffering a knee injury in the team's victory over USC. He's missed a game, hasn't run for a rushing touchdown, and hasn't rushed for more than 45 yards since the USC game.
Superstar tight end Dalton Kincaid embarrassed the Trojan's secondary the last time the teams faced each, hauling in 16 catches for 234 yards and one touchdown. He beat linebackers, safeties, and even some corners in the game. But, he suffered an injury in the team's game versus Colorado and did not return. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham stated he expects Kincaid to play on Friday.
Utah running back Tavion Thomas ranked fourth in rushing yards (1,108) and first in rushing touchdowns (21) in the Pac-12 last season. He raced off to a hot start this year before suffering a turf toe injury in the team's game versus Oregon that ended his season. Thomas is still the Utes leading rusher on the season with 687 yards.
Backup running backs Micah Bernard, Jaylon Glover, and Ja'Quinden Jackson have all had to step up in Thomas's absence. But none of the running backs have even eclipsed 400 rushing yards this season.
USC is favored by 2.5 points at home against Utah, and the over/under is 66.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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