Utah @ Southern California preview

THE STORY: The first Pac-12 Conference game features new member Utah against traditional power Southern Cal, which had more than twice as many Pac-10 titles as any other school. The Trojans are serving the second of a two-year postseason ban resulting from violations committed under former coach Pete Carroll, so they can’t win the South Division. They can, however, throw a wrench into the Utes’ plans to play in the inaugural championship game in December. USC is 6-3 all-time against Utah, but the Utes won the last matchup 10-6 in the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl.

TV: Versus. LINE: USC -9.5

ABOUT UTAH (1-0): The Utes defeated Montana State 27-10 last week but struggled offensively, particularly through the air. Quarterback Jordan Wynn, making his first start since shoulder surgery in December, completed 15-of-23 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. But at only 4.4 passing yards per attempt, it’s clear the Utes, led by former USC coordinator Norm Chow, will need to become a bit more innovative offensively.

ABOUT USC (1-0): The Trojans survived a scare from Minnesota in their home opener, failing to score in the second half before escaping with a closer-than-expected 19-17 victory. Quarterback Matt Barkley set a school record with 34 completions, and half of those were to sophomore Robert Woods, who also set a school record with 17 receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In three previous visits to the Coliseum - all before 1950, Utah scored only two points.

2. Utah is 76-120-6 all-time against Pac-12 schools, including 3-3 in the last five years.

3. USC is 66-18 in conference openers but has won only one of its last three.

PREDICTION: Utah 21, USC 20 - The Utes have had this game circled on the calendar since joining the Pac-12 in the off-season, and Kyle Whittingham is a solid big-game coach.