Los Angeles News
USC Rallies To Beat Utah 38-28
By Michael Mintos
Oct 5, 2012 - 8:37:18 AM

SALT LAKE CITY—The University of Southern California Trojans scored 28 straight points to overtake the University of Utah Utes Thursday night. Trojan quarterback Matt Barkley was 23/30 passing for 303 yards and three touchdowns in a Pac 12 showdown where the No. 13 team found themselves down 14-0 in the first three minutes of the game.

The Trojans, playing in Salt Lake City for the first time in 95 years, had two turnovers 1:16 minutes apart on the first two possessions after the opening kickoff. On the first series, USC center Khaled Holmes had a low shotgun snap that Barkley struggled to recover. The ball was subsequently ripped away from the quarterback by Nate Fakahafua for the Utes who ran in for the score. On just the second play of the next series, Holmes was rushed by Utah’s noseguard, Star Lotulelei, as he botched another snap.

Lotulelei fell on the fumble to incite pure elation from the crowd of 46,037 in Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utes quickly took advantage and scored on an 11-yard pass.

Southern Cal (4-1, 2-1) bounced back, led by Heisman candidate Barkley, and had two quick strikes to break open a three-point game in the fourth quarter. Leading 24-21, Barkley found wide receiver Marqise Lee for an 83-yard touchdown.

On the Utes ensuing possession, USC cornerback Nickell Robey grabbed an interception from Utah quarterback Jon Hays and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown making the score 38-28. In addition to Barkley’s stellar stats, Marqise Lee finished with 12 catches for 192 yards as the Trojans secured the road victory.