Las Vegas Bowl Report

USC run offense vs. Utah run defense: Could it have been any worse for the Trojans? Officially, they managed one yard on the ground. Even if you account for quarterback sacks, they were held to 65 yards. Edge: Utah

USC pass offense vs. Utah pass defense: Utah’s unexpected blitzing, especially on early downs, kept the USC offense off-balance from the start. Palmer had decent statistics but spent too much time dodging the rush. Edge: Utah

USC run defense vs. Utah run offense: An undersized defense gave up 22 yards and could not keep Utah off the field, especially late in the game. Edge: Utah

USC pass defense vs. Utah pass offense: The Trojans gave up a few crucial third-down completions but mostly kept Utah in check. Linebacker John Cousins intercepted a pass and cornerback Kris Richard recovered a fumble. Edge: USC

Special teams: David Davis, the Pac-10’s most accurate kicker this season, missed a field-goal attempt and extra-point attempt. Utah’s Ryan Kaneshiro, who struggled this fall, made all his kicks. Edge: Utah

Coaching : Pete Carroll may be the defensive guru, but Ron McBride got the jump on USC by blitzing more than usual. It took a full half for USC to adjust with more first-down runs and shorter passes. Edge: Utah

Intangibles: Coming off two fourth-quarter loses, Utah refused to be shaken when USC opened the second half with a touchdown. The Utes stuck to their game plan and made the plays they needed to make. Edge: Utah

The bottom line: Utah looked like USC of old, running one play after another, wearing down its opponent. USC looked weak on offense, unable to get much of anything going. Final score: 10-6