Five things we learned in USC's loss to Utah

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Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler leaves the field as Utes fans celebrate Utah’s 24-21 victory. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC linebacker Scott Felix sits alone on the Trojans’ sideline following a 24-21 loss at Utah on Oct. 25. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Utah defensive linemen Nate Orchard and Hunter Dimick, right, sack USC quarterback Cody Kessler on the final play of the game.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Utah receiver Kaelin Clay hauls in the game-winning, one-yard touchdown catch against cornerback John Plattenburg and USC with eight seconds left. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Utah quarterback Travis Wilson leaps toward the goal line but USC defensive backs Leon McQuay III (22) and John Plattenburg (24) would prevent him from scoring in the final minute of the game. The Utes would score the eventual winning touchdown two plays later. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC quarterback Cody Kessler unloads a pass to receiver Darreus Rogers for a touchdown against Utah in the fourth quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson breaks up a pass intended for Utah receiver Tim Patrick late in the fourth quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Utes linebacker Jason Fanaika reaches for the ball to intercept a pass that Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor (15) couldn’t catch. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC safety Su’a Cravens, who has been playing outside linebacker, sacks Utah quarterback Travis Wilson in the third quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC running back Javorius Allen breaks through the line for a big run in the first half against Utah. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC linebacker Anthony Sarao delivers a big hit to Utah receiver Dres Anderson in the second quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC quarterback Cody Kessler fumbles the snap and fails to convert on a fourth-and-one play against Utah in the second quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Utes running back Devontae Booker leaps past Trojans defenders as linebacker J.R. Tavai looks to make the tackle in the second quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC Coach Steve Sarkisian barks instructions on his headset during the victory over Utah. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC offensive tackle Chad Wheeler grabs his right leg during the Trojans’ game against Utah on Saturday. Wheeler injured his knee on the third play, but did not leave the game until after seven or eight more plays. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans tight end Randall Telfer checks on quarterback Cody Kessler after he took a big hit while delivering a pass in the first quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC receiver JuJu Smith gets past Utah cornerback Davion Orphey during a touchdown pass play in the first quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler scrambles from the pocket as he looks downfield for a receiver in the first quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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USC receiver JuJu Smith tries to avoid the tackle attempt of Utah cornerback Eric Rowe in the first quarter. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

By Lindsey Thiry

Oct. 26, 2014 8:10 AM PT

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

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.

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

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.

Five things we learned in USC’s loss to Utah

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