Trojans figure to have a different look against Utah

The inaugural Pacific 12 Conference game offers Utah a chance to make an immediate impact in a Bowl Championship Series conference and gives USC Coach Lane Kiffin an opportunity to go for two … consecutive victories. Staff writer Gary Klein examines the game’s issues and matchups:

Tailback tracker

D.J. Morgan, USC’s starting tailback in the opener, is atop the depth chart. But his hold on the job could be tenuous with the return of senior Marc Tyler, back from suspension.

“It still could change throughout the year, so I don’t feel like my job’s done till that 12th game, when I’ve started all 12 of them,” said Morgan, who rushed for 70 yards against Minnesota.

Sophomore Dillon Baxter met with Kiffin after being on the field for only two plays against Minnesota and is expected to have a larger role. Junior Curtis McNeal is primed for a possible breakout game after playing extensively for the first time last week.

Utah’s running back situation is far clearer: John White, formerly of South Torrance High and Harbor College, rushed for 150 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 27-10 victory over Montana State.

Need to diversify

Half of Matt Barkley’s record-setting 34 completions against Minnesota went to wide receiver Robert Woods, so the junior quarterback is looking to spread the ball around if others can avoid drive-killing drops.

USC coaches want Barkley to complete 70% of his passes. That was no problem against Minnesota but might be a tougher task against a Utah defense that features linebacker Brian Blechen, a former Moorpark High standout who intercepted two passes in the opener.

However, it’s worth noting that every member of Utah’s secondary in the opener was a first-time starter.

Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn, like Barkley, is in his third season as a starter. But the junior is apparently struggling to overcome confidence issues related to off-season arm surgery. His 101 yards passing against Montana were the fewest since his first game.

Home-field advantage?

USC is 5-5 at the Coliseum dating to November 2009, when the Trojans lost to Stanford and Arizona.

What was once a huge home-field advantage is no more.

Kiffin does not blame the stadium or fans.

“It has to do with us not playing real well,” he said. “It’s real easy: If you want the place rocking and you want a lot of energy in the place, play well and win games and score touchdowns.”

Turf war

Utah’s roster includes 32 players from California.

Running back Joe Davis, who played for USC in 1940-42, former fullback Stanley Havili and starting right guard John Martinez are the only players from Utah to earn letterman status for the Trojans.

Membership in the Pac-12 — and yearly visits to Los Angeles to play the Trojans or UCLA — should allow the Utes to expand their Southland base.

Kiffin said injured freshman tight end Junior Pomee and freshman defensive back Ryan Henderson were considering Utah before signing with the Trojans. USC recruited running back Harvey Langi, who signed with the Utes.

Quick hits

American flags will be distributed to fans and a flyover will occur at the conclusion of the national anthem to mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. … USC will salute military personnel and first responders during the game and a donation will be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project as part of the school’s Joint Forces Day.

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USC; Category; UTAH

19.0; scoring offense; 27.0

17.0; scoring defense; 10.0

304.0; pass offense; 101.0

67.0; rush offense; 191.0

371.0; total offense; 292.0

192.0; pass defense; 183.0

110.0; rush defense; 75.0

302.0; total defense; 258.0