USC fullback Soma Vainuku scores first touchdown since 2014 opener

USC fullback Soma Vainuku said Tuesday he wasn’t surprised that Interim Coach Clay Helton called his number on fourth and goal in a 42-24 victory over Utah on Saturday.

“He loves us fullbacks and he loves doing stuff like that on the goal line,” Vainuku said. “I had to capitalize on it for him.”

Quarterback Cody Kessler handed the ball to Vainuku, who dove one yard over a pile of linemen to tie the game, 14-14, in the second quarter.

“We had some big third downs and some critical fourth down makes at the goal line,” Helton said after the game. “Cody’s quarterback sneak and Soma going in there -- if that’s not physical, what is?”

The carry was Vainuku’s second of the season.

“It felt great being back in the end zone -- it’s been a while,” said Vainuku, whose last touchdown was against Fresno State in the 2014 season opener.

Vainuku, a standout on special teams, said it “definitely” seemed that Helton wanted fullbacks to play a larger role.

“We just stay ready at all times and when our number is called we are just ready to go,” Vainuku said.

USC plays California on Saturday in Berkeley.

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.