USC falls to Utah, 24-21

USC linebacker Scott Felix sits alone on the Trojans’ sideline following a 24-21 loss at Utah on Oct. 25.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Utah defensive linemen Nate Orchard and Hunter Dimick, right, sack USC quarterback Cody Kessler on the final play of the game.

Utah receiver Kaelin Clay hauls in the game-winning, one-yard touchdown catch against cornerback John Plattenburg and USC with eight seconds left.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Utah quarterback Travis Wilson leaps toward the goal line but USC defensive backs Leon McQuay III (22) and John Plattenburg (24) would prevent him from scoring in the final minute of the game. The Utes would score the eventual winning touchdown two plays later.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC quarterback Cody Kessler unloads a pass to receiver Darreus Rogers for a touchdown against Utah in the fourth quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson breaks up a pass intended for Utah receiver Tim Patrick late in the fourth quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Utes linebacker Jason Fanaika reaches for the ball to intercept a pass that Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor (15) couldn’t catch.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC safety Su’a Cravens, who has been playing outside linebacker, sacks Utah quarterback Travis Wilson in the third quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC running back Javorius Allen breaks through the line for a big run in the first half against Utah.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC linebacker Anthony Sarao delivers a big hit to Utah receiver Dres Anderson in the second quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC quarterback Cody Kessler fumbles the snap and fails to convert on a fourth-and-one play against Utah in the second quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Utes running back Devontae Booker leaps past Trojans defenders as linebacker J.R. Tavai looks to make the tackle in the second quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian barks instructions on his headset during the victory over Utah.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC offensive tackle Chad Wheeler grabs his right leg during the Trojans’ game against Utah on Saturday. Wheeler injured his knee on the third play, but did not leave the game until after seven or eight more plays.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Trojans tight end Randall Telfer checks on quarterback Cody Kessler after he took a big hit while delivering a pass in the first quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC receiver JuJu Smith gets past Utah cornerback Davion Orphey during a touchdown pass play in the first quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler scrambles from the pocket as he looks downfield for a receiver in the first quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC receiver JuJu Smith tries to avoid the tackle attempt of Utah cornerback Eric Rowe in the first quarter.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)