Utah football: Utah vs. USC from an insider's perspective

What does USC need to do to come out of Salt Lake City with a win?

USC needs to just play steady Trojan football to come away with the win. It's been a whirlwind of hype and media around them all season, starting with their preseason No. 2 AP ranking and talk of a national championship. Though they have publicly downplayed all the hype, it seems as though it was nearly impossible to escape altogether. That was evident in their reactions to the loss at Stanford.

They know the game Thursday is on a big stage, in front of a national audience (an audience that is rumbling about USC being overrated), and it could be very possible for them to come out and try to prove too much. But, if they go with whatever is working for their offense, whether it be the passing game or running the ball, they should be in good shape to improve to 4-1 and beat the Utes.

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney