Elimination game: Both teams already have a loss in the conference so another loss in this game would mean a tough road ahead for a team looking to stay alive for a berth in the Pac-12 title game. USC coach Steve Sarkisian has been telling his players that every week is a championship week from here on out.

Continue offensive momentum: The Trojans offense seemed to find a groove last week against Colorado by adding elements of a downfield passing game that had been missing earlier in the year. Not only did Cody Kessler set a school record with seven touchdown passes in the game but several of those throws were for long gains that should help open things up even more for the run game. The ability to throw downfield against the Utes' secondary could be a key difference in the outcome.

Utah special teams: A quick check of the Utes' special teams shows that they are pretty solid across the board. Tom Hackett averages over 47 yards per punt and leads the conference. Place-kicker “Automatic” Andy Phillips has hit 13 of 15 field goals and is perfect on extra points; he leads the conference in scoring, too. And return man Kaelin Clay has returned three punts and one kickoff for scores. Utah coach Kyle Wittingham takes an active role in overseeing special teams and that kind of emphasis shows on the field.

USC O-line vs Utah D-line: The marquee matchup on paper is the Utah defensive front, which leads the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, against a Trojans line that is young but has made strides in recent games. Will USC be able to protect Kessler long enough to allow the downfield passing game to develop? Or will Nate Orchard & Co. be able to apply the kind of pressure that allowed them to get 10 sacks in one game against UCLA?

Battle of the running backs: Buck Allen leads the conference with 909 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while also topping the position list for all-purpose yardage. Devontae Booker of Utah has been a force lately; over the last three games he’s averaged 30 carries per contest and 187.7 yards, including a 229-yard, three touchdown effort in a double-OT win over Oregon State. Both backs are tough, physical runners who help set the identity for their teams, so fans of tailback play should get ready to sit back and enjoy watching these two in action.