USC’s self-described ‘lighter fluid,’ Adoree’ Jackson, ignites with a big kick return

The kick got Adoree’ Jackson in between, about three or four yards deep into the end zone, a coin toss to run out or take a knee.

Jackson caught the ball at the base of the “A” in “UTAH” and did not hesitate. He bounded forward, bellied toward a crease at the eight-yard line, shrugged off an arm tackle at the 20-yard line and high-stepped the kicker at the 25.

From there, Utah had no chance. Jackson accelerated another 75 yards for a touchdown that evened the score in the first quarter.

USC Coach Clay Helton had announced he would consider using Jackson to spark the offense against the Utes. After Wednesday’s practice, Helton and Jackson stayed after, running through offensive formations.

“I feel like I’m like the lighter fluid to the barbecue,” Jackson had said. “Just throw me in there, and you get the party started.”

He did not make an appearance until the second half, and even then, he played sparingly. He took one handoff for an 11-yard gain.

Instead, he made game-changing plays on defense and special teams, bailing out fumbles by USC’s offense. On Utah’s next possession, after Jackson’s return, he pounced on a fumble to give USC the ball.

Jackson now has two special-teams touchdowns this season, after a punt return against Utah State. The kickoff return was the third of Jackson’s career, and it tied him with Anthony Davis for most 100-yard kickoff returns in his USC career, with two.

JuJu Smith-Schuster watch

Before Friday, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster hadn’t surpassed 56 yards in a game. Last season, his low was 55 yards.

Quarterback Sam Darnold uncaged Smith-Schuster against Utah. He caught eight passes for 98 yards, including a toe-tapping 35-yard reception along the sideline in the third quarter.

Cameron Smith is at it again

Cameron Smith sprung at Utah running back Zack Moss and, as he spun Moss to the ground, swiped the ball loose. 46,133 people at Rice-Eccles Stadium issued a collective groan.

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Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) celebrates with teammate Tim Patrick (12) after scoring against USC in the first half.

  (Rick Bowmer / AP)

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Utah quarterback Troy Williams looks to pass the ball in the second quarter against USC.

  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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USC’s Adoree’ Jackson runs a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter.

  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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USC quarterback Sam Darnold runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Utah.  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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USC quarterback Sam Darnold looks to pass in the first quarter against the Utah.

  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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USC’s Adoree’ Jackson tackles Utah’s Tim Patrick after a first down run in the second quarter.

  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson runs the ball back for a touchdown in the first half against Utah.

  (Rick Bowmer / AP)

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Utah quarterback Troy Williams scores against USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson in the first half.

  (Rick Bowmer / AP)

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Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) scores a first quarter touchdown against USC.

  (Gene Sweeney Jr. / Getty Images)

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Utah wide receiver Tim Patrick catches a pass against USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson in the first half.

  (Rick Bowmer / AP)

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Utah tight end Evan Moeai is tackled by USC inebacker Michael Hutchings in the first half.

  (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)

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USC linebacker Cameron Smith tackles Utah running back Zack Moss in the first half.

  (Rick Bowmer / AP)

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USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson celebrates as he walks on the field in the first half.  (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)

Last season, Smith haunted the Utes. He intercepted three passes, the most interceptions by a USC player in a single game since 1991. He returned one for a 54-yard touchdown. He also led the team in tackles.

By those standards, Friday was a letdown, but he still led USC with 15 tackles.

Stevie Tu’ikolovatu returns to Utah

A season ago, Stevie Tu’ikolovatu was wearing the opposite uniform, playing for Utah. But in the offseason, Tu’ikolovatu switched teams, joining USC as a graduate transfer.

He has since blossomed into one of USC’s best defensive players, and a much-needed body on the defensive line. He recorded nine tackles against his former team, the third most on USC.

Quick hits

Backup left tackle Chuma Edoga (illness) attended the game but did not dress.

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Twitter: @zhelfand

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Twitter: @zhelfand