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Five things we learned in USC’s loss to Utah

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Utah defeated USC, 24-21, on Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ loss.

Lesson not learned

We thought USC learned its lesson. Time to think again.

Arizona State defeated USC on a Hail Mary as time expired.

The Trojans survived Arizona after the Wildcats missed a field-goal attempt in the final seconds.

And then, Utah beat them with touchdown pass with eight seconds left.

Is there a pattern here?

This team – coaches and players – are unable to finish in the final minutes.

Fourth-down decisions

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USC was faced with two fourth-and-short situations in Utah territory and, both times, Coach Steve Sarkisian elected to go for it.

Both attempts failed.

The first came in the second quarter on fourth and one at Utah’s 27-yard line.

The second came in the fourth quarter on fourth and two at Utah’s 28.

Sarkisian said he wants to be aggressive. But what happened to the Trojans’ kicker?

Andre Heidari had been sidelined the last two games because of a groin injury, but he kicked extra points against Utah.

Heidari has made six of eight field-goal attempts, including one from 53 yards.

Sarkisian has said he makes some decisions, including whether to go for it on fourth down, based on a gut feel.

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Maybe he should stop listening to his gut.

Snap issue

Center Max Tuerk struggled to snap the ball consistently two weeks ago at Arizona.

Sarkisian said the team had to adjust its snap count because of the crowd noise.

Crowd noise rattled through speakers at practice last week in preparation for the hostile environment at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but it proved little use.

Tuerk’s snaps were erratic and quarterback Cody Kessler had to field many at his feet.

Kessler fumbled a crucial fourth-down snap in the second quarter.

Jackson’s talent shines

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Each week, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson adds to his resume and continues to prove why his future is so bright.

Jackson returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.

As a cornerback he forced a Utah fumble on the Trojans’ 1-yard line to save a touchdown.

Craving more

Su’a Cravens continues to prove why he has become one of the most exciting players to watch on defense.

The safety-turned-linebacker sacked Utah quarterback Travis Wilson twice.

There is often chatter about when Cravens will return to safety, but his performances have made it apparent he can star in college at linebacker.

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

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