Week 8 of College Football Season: Utah Utes Win Thrilling Match against USC Trojans

The college football season reached its eighth week with excitement and intensity as the No. 13 Utah Utes pulled off a remarkable last-second victory against the USC Trojans. Continuing their dominance over the Trojans, Utah secured their fourth consecutive win against them, while also handing coach Lincoln Riley his first home loss since joining USC.

Despite leading 28-17 going into the fourth quarter, the Utes faced a challenge from USC, who scored a touchdown with only 1:46 remaining, putting them ahead 32-31. However, the Utes showed resilience as they drove down the field, setting up kicker Cole Becker for the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Reflecting on the match, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged his team’s strong performance throughout the game while also recognizing the talent of USC’s quarterback, who is a Heisman Trophy winner. Whittingham praised his own quarterback, Bryson Barnes, affectionately referring to him as a “pig farmer” and commending his warrior-like mentality.

Barnes had an outstanding performance, accumulating 292 total yards and four touchdowns, all of which were career highs. This impressive display came in the same week that Whittingham announced the season-ending injury of the team’s starting quarterback, Cam Rising.

Looking ahead to Week 9, the No. 13 Utes (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) are set to face the No. 9 Oregon Ducks (6-1, 3-1) in a highly anticipated matchup. Oregon rebounded from a narrow defeat against No. 5 Washington with a convincing 38-24 victory over Washington State. The Ducks displayed a balanced offense, recording 293 passing yards and 248 rushing yards, particularly shining during a dominant third quarter.

Both teams have their sights set on the Pac-12 championship game and understand the significance of this upcoming contest. Utah boasts a formidable defense, likely the toughest challenge Oregon will face all season. Conversely, Oregon’s offense provides a balanced attack that is expected to test Utah’s defense.

To watch the Utah vs. Oregon match, tune in to FOX or access the game through the Fox Sports App at 3:30 p.m. ET. If you prefer streaming, sign up for a FuboTV subscription. Stay updated on notable football players and injury news, including Ducks RB Mar’Keise Irving’s probable status and Ducks DB Khyree Jackson’s questionable status.

For those interested in betting on the game, BetMGM college football odds favor Oregon to win on the road against Utah. The current line predicts a victory with a spread of -6.5 for Oregon, and the moneyline odds stand at -250 for Oregon and +200 for Utah. The total points have been set at 47.5.

This clash between the Utes and the Ducks holds great importance as both teams seek to position themselves for a shot at the Pac-12 title game. With just one conference loss each, both sides understand the significance of this matchup and the potential consequences of falling behind in the standings.

The two teams have a history of competitive meetings, having faced each other 36 times. While Utah has had success in the recent past, winning three of the last five matchups, Oregon has an overall advantage, with a 24-12 record against the Utes. The Ducks emerged victorious in last year’s meeting with a 20-17 scoreline, but they haven’t secured a win in Salt Lake City since 2016.

Both coaches, Kyle Whittingham and Dan Lanning, recognize the strengths of their opponents. Lanning praised Oregon’s balanced offensive and defensive units, emphasizing their completeness as a team. Whittingham singled out Oregon’s exceptional offense, which averages nearly 50 points per game, highlighting the leadership and competitiveness of their quarterback.

To catch the highlights of the Utah vs. Oregon match and stay up to date with the college football season, continue following USA TODAY’s coverage.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.