USC will try to get back on track in return to Coliseum to face Utah

The last time USC played in the Coliseum, the Trojans ran off the field to a chorus of boos.

Many fans, angry about a loss against underdog Washington, wanted to let players, coaches and USC administrators know how they felt.

Two weeks later, the mood should be different — at least as it relates to support for Trojans players — when USC plays third-ranked and unbeaten Utah on Saturday night.

From fifth-year seniors to freshmen, USC players signed on with the Trojans anticipating a stable and successful college football experience.

But there has been nothing stable about it.

The tumultuous tenures of former coaches Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian were rife with controversy, distractions and off-the-field incidents.

Last week alone, players endured the indefinite suspension and subsequent firing of Sarkisian and a long trip to Notre Dame, which included Athletic Director Pat Haden requiring medical attention on the sideline.

The Trojans lost to the Fighting Irish, 41-31, and fell to 3-3. They return to the Coliseum intent on finishing the season strong.

“We’ve got a lot of great players on this team, a lot of guys with heart and effort that want to do well and succeed,” said sophomore Adoree’ Jackson, who is expected to have an expanded role on offense Saturday.

Junior linebacker Su’a Cravens said a Trojans roster that has been through so much does not require a pep talk.

“There’s nothing I can really say that I haven’t already said at this point,” he said. “We’ve just got to play…. Let’s just start having fun.”

Clay Helton is in his second stint as interim coach, but Saturday’s game will be his first leading the program at the Coliseum.

“Very special,” Helton said. “I’m having more fun than anybody in the world right now. You throw some wins on top of that, I’ll be the happiest person on earth.”

Despite being a slight favorite, it won’t be easy for the Trojans against a Utah team that is 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Pac-12 Conference.

Kyle Whittingham, a candidate to become USC’s next coach, has built the Utes into a conference-title contender in their fifth season in the Pac-12.

“We feel like we’re on more of an equal playing field right now than we ever have been since we joined the league,” Whittingham said this week.

Opportunistic Utah is tied for second nationally with 13 interceptions, is ranked second in turnover margin and take-aways, and is tied for fourth in fewest penalties per game.

The Utes pride themselves on a physical style of play, from defensive linemen and linebackers to running back Devontae Booker and quarterback Travis Wilson.

“Our guys will be excited to play,” USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said, “because it’s going to be a brawl.”

Last season at Salt Lake City, USC could have won by controlling the ball in the fourth quarter. But the Trojans failed to get a key first down and Wilson drove the Utes to a game-winning touchdown in the final minutes.

Wilson’s 18-yard scramble set up a touchdown pass with eight seconds left for the 24-21 victory.

USC quarterback Cody Kessler was under pressure and sustained several hard hits against the Utes last season, a scenario that could be repeated as the Trojans try to protect him with a shuffled offensive line.

Zach Banner has moved from right tackle to left tackle to replace injured Chad Wheeler and Toa Lobendahn will start at center again in place of injured Max Tuerk.

Kessler has had five passes intercepted in the last three games.

“The biggest thing is, I don’t want him to force anything,” Helton said. “I don’t want him to press, to think, ‘Gosh, I’ve got to make a play.’ ... Just let it come to you.

“Don’t try to force it.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

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