USC could use a JuJu Smith encore when Trojans play Utah

USC receiver JuJu Smith turned in another big-production game at the Coliseum. Now the Trojans need the freshman to carry it over to on the road.

The 20th-ranked Trojans play No. 19 Utah at Salt Lake City on Saturday night in a key Pac-12 Conference South Division game.

Last weekend, with quarterback Cody Kessler passing for a school-record seven touchdowns, Smith caught four passes for 104 yards and his first touchdown.

Nelson Agholor caught six passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns, marking the first time in two seasons that two Trojans receivers eclipsed 100 yards receiving in the same game.

Smith was asked what was going through his mind as Kessler’s big night unfolded.

“That my time’s going to come,” he said, smiling. “That all our times are going to come. Everybody’s going to get a touch of the ball.”

It was Smith’s second big Coliseum performance.

In the season opener against Fresno State, the former Long Beach Poly star caught four passes for 123 yards, the most by a Trojans receiver in his first game in school history.

Smith did not account for more than 49 yards in any of the next five games.

His performance Saturday against Colorado included a diving, one-handed catch, two receptions of 40 yards or longer and his seven-yard touchdown.

Smith also played 24 plays on special teams, Coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian described Smith as “a model person in our program,” noting Smith’s attitude, his catches, blocking and effort on special teams.

“How he played Saturday, I would love our entire team to play every time they take the field,” Sarkisian said.

Bowman assists

Gerald Bowman was not credited with an interception against Colorado, but the senior safety contributed an assist.

Bowman hit a Colorado receiver who was attempting to make a catch, and the ball tipped into the hands of cornerback Kevon Seymour.

“I didn’t know he had it until he ran past me,” Bowman said.

Bowman suffered a foot injury when he made his initial break toward the ball. He said X-rays were negative and that he would be ready for Saturday’s game.

“I’ll make sure I recover so that I can be back,” he said.

Quick hits

USC’s Nov. 1 game at Washington State will kick off at 1:30 p.m. and will be broadcast by the Pac-12 Networks. … Kessler was selected the Pac-12 offensive player of the week.