Sack-happy Utah will try to turn Trojans into sad-sacks

USC doesn’t have much time to bask in the afterglow of quarterback Cody Kessler’s record-setting passing performance.

The Trojans’ 56-28 victory moved them up two spots to No. 20 in the Associated Press media poll Sunday, but up next is a No. 19 Utah team that features the most productive pass rush in major college football.

“Everybody has a focus of what they’re trying to get accomplished,” USC Coach Steve Sarkisian said Sunday night during a teleconference with reporters, “and theirs definitely is set on trying to get to the opposing quarterback and making him uncomfortable.”

Kessler had plenty of time to deliver a school-record seven touchdown passes against Colorado, increasing his season total to 18. He is ranked 10th nationally in passing efficiency.

Kessler was sacked twice against Colorado but otherwise was rarely pressured.

That is expected to change Saturday night against a Utah defense that ranks first nationally with 5 1/2 sacks per game.

End Nate Orchard has 10 1/2 sacks, end Hunter Dimick 5 1/2, linebacker Jared Norris four and linebacker Pita Taumoepenu 3 1/2.

USC has given up 16 sacks.

Sarkisian said Utah’s propensity to rush the passer stems from the defensive background of Utes Coach Kyle Whittingham and the attitude instilled by defensive coordinator Kalani Fifita Sitake.

“That’s part of their M.O.,” Sarkisian said. “Even on first and 10, there their defensive ends are in pass-rush mode, so they’re committed to trying to get to the quarterback.”

Allen climbing

Tailback Javorius Allen, who rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown against Colorado, is averaging 129.9 yards rushing per game, which ranks 11th nationally.

Allen said after the Colorado game he was happy to cede the main focus to Kessler and USC’s receivers.

Nelson Agholor and JuJu Smith amassed 128 and 104 yards receiving, respectively. Agholor caught three touchdown passes, tight end Bryce Dixon two and Smith and Steven Mitchell one each.

“I love that Nelson, JuJu and the receivers just got to show what they can do,” Allen said. “Just show the country that we got more than one weapon. It’s not just all about Buck Allen.”

LenDale White fallout

Sarkisian said that he had spoken with Athletic Director Pat Haden about former Trojans running back LenDale White, who was escorted out of the Coliseum by game security personnel and Los Angeles Police Department officers after the Trojans’ win over Colorado.

Before leaving, White told The Times that USC athletic administrators were kicking him out. Sarkisian told The Times after the game that he had been unaware of the situation.

On Sunday, Sarkisian said Haden told him that the athletic director and White “had a discussion on the field, they shook hands and went their separate ways.”

Sarkisian said he had not heard from White.

White had been critical of the Trojans coaching staff on Twitter during USC’s victory at Arizona. But he was on the sideline during the Colorado game and engaged with fans.

After the game, he told The Times that he was “a Trojan 20,000%” and “I just get emotional during football games. I’m sorry.”

Minutes later, outside the locker room, he said USC athletics administrators were kicking him out.

“You can win championships for this program, but you can’t voice your opinion,” White said.

Later, in a tweet, he wrote: “I can’t believe @ADHadenUSC kicked me out of #thecoli shook my hand then had me escorted out. I’m still at a loss for words!!!”

A USC athletic department spokesman said Saturday night that Haden did not order anyone to escort White from the Coliseum.

Quick hits

Sarkisian said he received positive feedback about the metallic-tinted helmets the Trojans wore Saturday. “I really didn’t get anything negative,” he said. “The players enjoyed wearing them. I don’t think they were the deciding factor in winning and losing or anything of that sort. I thought they looked good, they looked fine, they looked classy.” . . . Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson aggravated a hip-flexor injury against Colorado. “We’re going to have to manage him through the week,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to need him in this ballgame.”