Oct 24, 2015 06:30 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Utah Utes (3) are taking the Pac-12 and the nation by storm; they beat a Michigan team that went on to shut out three consecutive opponents and put up 62 on Oregon in Eugene, but are somehow not favored to beat 3-3 USC Trojans.

While Utah has been the surprise of the season, it seems like they will have to beat USC to be taken seriously, especially since the second half of their schedule is far weaker than the first half. USC played Notre Dame tough last week, but lost in their first game since head coach Steve Sarkisian's termination, their second consecutive loss.

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Utah's pursuit to hold USC quarterback Cody Kessler will start with their defensive backfield. Safety Marcus Williams and cornerback Dominique Hatfield have combined for seven interceptions this season.

"We have some guys back there with very good ball skills," Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham said in his weekly press conference. "Probably the most important thing when those opportunities come along is that you capitalize on them."

Kessler will have to keep the ball away from Utah's defense, because the Utes' offense is not turning the ball over when given extra chances.

"We've got a lot of young guys playing in skill positions right now," Kessler told reporters this week. "We're dropping numbers pretty fast, so we've got to move guys around. But they're doing a great job, and it's my job to get them ready, get them prepared and be on the same page with them, because obviously in fall camp, I didn't work a whole lot with them."

(Quotes, stats courtesy of ESPN)

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