Utah Utes Move Forward After Win, Prepare for Inaugural PAC-12 Showdown with USC

The Utes took care of Montana State last Thursday night 27-10 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, but it wasn't in as dominating of a fashion as the team and fans would have liked. Utah started out with a commanding 24-0 lead at one point in the second quarter, but only managed a field goal in the second half, while Montana State connected on a touchdown and a field goal.

The offense seemed like it either deliberately slowed down because of the large lead, or was unable to come together for more than a field goal after gaining the 24-0 advantage in the first half. Hopefully, for the Utes and their fans, it was the first option, in that they deliberately slowed down the offense to get through with the opener and begin preparations for USC.

The one very bright spot for the Utes on offense, however, was running back John White IV. He rushed for 150 yards and used his speed and ability to get through the seams provided by his O-Line. It was his first game in a Utah jersey and he will be playing this Saturday close to home at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.

Coach Kyle Whittingham was not too pleased with his team's overall play, though, and made it clear that the Utes would have to play much better this Saturday if they want to have any shot at beating the Trojans on their home turf in each team's PAC-12 opener. USC defeated Minnesota last Saturday in their home and season opener 19-17, sealing the win with a late interception in Minnesota's attempted drive to win the game.

Saturday's game will mark Utah's first game as a member of the PAC-12 against a conference opponent. Stakes will be high for the Utes and they will be judged according to their performance.

UTES' NEXT GAME:  at USC (1-0), L.A. Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA - 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) USC is currently favored by a 10-point spread.