How to watch Utah vs. USC on TV or online, plus 3 things to know

All things considered, USC has to be pretty pleased with its loss to Notre Dame. The Trojans staged a comeback and even led for a time, before succumbing to a very good Irish team that could be a College Football Playoff contender. All this after losing coach Steve Sarkisian, who was dismissed as coach the previous Monday, and playing under interim coach Clay Helton for the first time.

That said, in a year in which USC was expected to contend for the Playoff, a 3-3 start to the season, including an inexplicable loss at home to Washington. If the Trojans lose again, they’ll fall below .500, and this season could turn into a disaster. And given that undefeated, No. 3 Utah is coming to Los Angeles, that certainly is a real danger.

Utah grabbed everyone’s attention with its wins over Michigan and Oregon, and the Utes have kept rolling, most recently beating Arizona State and Cal. The toughest games are almost behind Utah, with the exception of games against UCLA and, possibly, Stanford in the Pac-12 title game. This is a big week for the Utes from a national perception standpoint, and they can solidify their spot in the Playoff race if they win and win big.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX

Radio: USC, Utah

Online streaming: FOX Sports GO

Spread: USC is favored by four points.

Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Block U for Utah fans and Conquest Chronicles for USC fans.

1. Utah is, somehow, a four-point underdog in this game. Some of that is because USC is very talented and has a lot of potential, but some of it is because Utah doesn’t have the respect of college football yet. It can earn more respect by winning this one.

2. About that USC talent. Will it start performing? It would be a shame for the Trojans to waste all those years with star quarterback Cody Kessler.

3. This is USC’s first home game since the Sarkisian firing. Will the fans come out? It will be interesting to see the atmosphere.