Utah Utes football: Former Cottonwood star John Martinez shines vs. U.

LOS ANGELES — The University of Southern California may be on probation and will not go to a 2011 postseason bowl, but there are still enough storylines to keep the local entertainment industry and talk shows satisfied.

How will the Utah team do as the newcomer in the Pac-12? Will USC fade again in the fourth quarter?

Can Mark Tyler return from a suspension caused by an inappropriate comment he made to TMZ, a television show covering celebrities?

How will the team react after comments made by coach Lane Kiffin about the offense?

Despite all of that, Southern California offensive guard John Martinez doesn't draw the celebrity culture to him. Despite so many reality shows on television, Martinez isn't likely to get a call.

In 2010, the redshirt sophomore from Cottonwood High only played when games were already decided. In 2011, he has earned a spot as the starting offensive guard for the Trojans.

"Last year, I only played in the fourth quarter," said Martinez, who moved from center to right guard. "This is my first year playing all four quarters."

Martinez drew the assignment of matching up against Utah left tackle James Aiono in Saturday's 23-14 Trojans' victory. Aiono played most of the game and did not have a tackle.

"Overall, I think I did pretty good but there are still some things I need to work on," Martinez said. "I was looking to control the inside because we needed the running game."

Last week, USC did not run the ball well against Minnesota, gaining only 67yards on 28 carries. Saturday, the Trojans had 152 yards on 39 carries.

The game was also exciting because Martinez had family and friends out to see him play.

"It is definitely a personal game because I have family on their team," said Martinez. "I knew coming in it wasn't just another game. We got a good push off the ball."

Kiffin had praise for the visitors in his post-game press conference.

"Utah played really hard like we knew they would," said Kiffin, who made a point to express sympathy and support for Utah defensive lineman Ron Tongaonevia, whose wife died in an automobile accident following the Montana State game last week. "We had several chance in the second half to push ahead and we just couldn't do it. That is a really good front seven they have."