This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As far as prominence, importance and significance goes, this is the most crucial game in recent memory for the Utes. In comes No. 20 USC, fresh off a 56-28 drubbing of Colorado and a team that looks like it's hitting its stride at the most important part of the season. This game could define the direction of the Pac-12 South race and the fate of Utah's season. Can the No. 19 Utes handle a confident USC squad? Or will the Trojans take some air out of Utah's surprising run? Here's a position-by-position look at this week's matchup and which team will have the edge heading into Saturday's game:

Quarterback

The Utes named Travis Wilson the starter early in the week rather than going through the headache of waiting until the last minute like with the Oregon State game. Wilson seems like the logical choice after last week, outdueling Thompson with 45 yards passing to the transfer's 17 yards. That might get it done against Oregon State, but either one, no matter who starts or how the snaps are split, needs to step up this week and make a few plays to have a chance at beating USC. If Wilson gets caught up in a shootout with USC's Cody Kessler, the Utes will be in trouble.

Kessler has the clear advantage right out of the gate for USC and is probably the best passer the Utes have faced this season. Kessler broke out against Colorado, throwing for a staggering seven touchdowns and 319 yards passing. The Buffaloes aren't exactly elite competition, but it looks like Kessler has hit his stride and will be dangerous for a Utah secondary likely without Tevin Carter again.

Edge: USC

Running Back

What a battle this will be. The two top rushers in the conference go head-to-head in Devontae Booker and Buck Allen, their performances largely determining which team will win this game. Booker has been otherworldly for the Utes, putting the team on his back in the victory over Oregon State. Booker was his usual steamrolling self, annihilating the Beavers' defense for 229 yards and three touchdowns rushing. He also won the game on a 19-yard scamper in double overtime, showing that he's capable of taking over when Wilson and Thompson can't. He also faces arguably the best defensive front Utah has played this season, featuring future top-five NFL draft pick Leonard Williams.

If not for Booker, Allen would be the unquestionable top dog in the Pac-12. Allen had 128 yards rushing and a touchdown against Colorado, adding to a dominant performance of 205 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona. Allen leads the Pac-12 in rushing with 909 yards and eight touchdowns, with an average of 130 yards rushing per game. He'll also face a stiff test against a tough Utah defensive front, but the overall matchup of Allen vs. Booker will be one to watch.

Edge: Even

Pass Catchers

The wide receivers in this offense are just as culpable as Wilson and Thompson for the struggles of the passing game. Dres Anderson continues to be a boom or bust option, largely busting against Oregon State despite leading the team with four catches for 35 yards. Kenneth Scott, who was supposed to be a boundary possession receiver, disappeared against Oregon State for zero catches and continues to struggle reigning in passes. At some point down the stretch of this schedule, the Utes will need more points. If the receivers continue to underperform and drop passes, Utah will be hard pressed to keep up with teams like USC, ASU, Oregon and Arizona.

For USC, Kessler has a true go-to receiver in Nelson Agholor. Agholor came into the season with high expectations and has delivered so far, catching six passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns against Colorado. The junior has four games with at least 85 yards receiving and one touchdown. Alongside him is JuJu Smith, who has 350 yards receiving and a touchdown this season, 104 yards coming against Colorado. The Trojans have a clear advantage here.

Edge: USC

Offensive Line

The Utah offensive line continues to be middling in pass protection, surrendering four sacks against a tough Oregon State front seven last week. So far this season, the Utes are tied for fifth in the Pac-12 with 15 sacks. The real strength of the line is in run blocking, where the Utes are opening huge holes for Booker.

USC's strengths along the offensive line closely mirrors that of Utah. The Trojans are tied at fifth with 15 sacks surrendered and hang their hat on blocking well for Allen. USC surrendered two sacks against Colorado last week.

Edge: Even

Defensive Line and Linebackers

Along with the running back battle, this is as evenly matched of a battle as it gets. The Utes continues to have arguably the best defensive front in the nation, racking up another five sacks against Oregon State. Nate Orchard had another ridiculous game, racking up five tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks, while Hunter Dimick continues his quiet dominance for Utah, forcing a fumble and grabbing eight tackles of his own. The Utes will have to both pressure Kessler and contain Allen this week, a tall order, but if Utah can do it, they'll win this game.

USC's front begins and ends with Leonard Williams, who is largely unblockable week after week. Williams has 45 tackles this season, five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, anchoring a Trojan defense that sacked Colorado four times last week. Williams is a disruptive presence and opens opportunities for pass rushers, something the Utes will have to limit with play action passes, delayed runs and quick routes. The Utes have yet to face a talent like him and the battle between Williams and the Utah interior line will be one to watch. Still, the depth and ferocious play of the Utes gives them the edge.

Edge: Utah

Secondary

The Utes held up well against the max protect offensive scheme of Oregon State, regularly getting to Sean Mannion and disrupting receivers' routes. Mannion got his yardage and a pair of touchdowns, but never really had a giant impact on the game outside of a few big plays. However, the "will he or won't he" status of Tevin Carter continues to disrupt the Utes, with rumblings that Eric Rowe could play spot duty at safety this week. The Utes will face a stiff test containing Agholor and Kessler.

Whereas the Utes lead the conference in sacks, USC stands alone at the top in generating interceptions. The Trojans have nine picks this season, grabbing two against Colorado last week. Su'a Cravens is unquestionably the biggest threat in the defensive backfield. The ball hawking safety has two interceptions and 10 disrupted passes this season, consistently swarming the ball and punishing receivers. The Trojans rank in the top third of the conference in pass defense and could have a big impact on the game if Wilson forces passes to keep the Utes in the game.

Edge: USC

Prediction: There's no denying Utah's defense is the most disruptive in the country, but the lack of offensive production will catch up with the Utes this week. Kessler is getting hot at the right time and has the weapons to easily outpace Wilson, while USC is talented enough along the defensive front to limit Booker's impact. Utah will get a boost playing at home in a blackout game, but won't be able to limit the USC offense enough. The Trojans win this one 35-20.

Twitter: @BrennanJSmith