Unexpected Challenges, Turnovers Hurt Utah In Loss To USC

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah football couldn’t get past injuries and turnovers in their 33-17 loss to No. 20 USC in their 2020 season opener.

The Utes already had a disadvantage going into the game being the last FBS team with a schedule to play a college football game in 2020.

But that was overlooked after the game started.

The Utes fall to the Trojans 33-17.

Grateful to all those who watched and supported from home, and grateful to be back playing this game. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/h9i8N7rotM

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 22, 2020

Cam Rising Goes Out In Second Quarter With Injury

Utah waited until kickoff to announce their starting quarterback. Sophomore Cameron Rising beat out Jake Bentley and Drew Lisk for the job.

Rising played four drives before suffering an injury early in the second quarter. On the first drive, Utah went three-and-out. On the second possession, Rising led Utah down the field and they made a field goal to get on the scoreboard first.

After getting the ball back, Rising was flushed out of the pocket and tried to lob a pass over a defender and it was intercepted. On the fourth drive, Rising was sacked and lost the ball. USC recovered the fumble deep in Utah territory. On the sack, Rising exited the game and didn’t return with an undisclosed injury.

Utah did not disclose the severity of the injury.

Rising finished the game 3-of-6 passing for 45 yards and one interception. Jake Bentley replaced Rising and he went 16-of-28 passing for 171 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

FINAL#GoUtes #USCvsUTAH pic.twitter.com/puTGigf9Bw

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 22, 2020

Turnovers

Two of Utah’s turnovers came off of Rising with the interception and a fumble. Bentley also threw two picks. The Utes coughed up the ball on a fumble as they were handing the ball off.

Utah turned the all over on downs twice in the second half as they attempted a comeback.

USC quarterback Kedon Slovis threw for 264 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Up Next

Utah will drop to 0-1 on the season and will hopefully face Arizona State in Tempe on Saturday, November 28. The Sun Devils have had their last two games canceled due to COVID-19 cases in the program.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.