College football top plays: Utah wins Pac-12 title, USC's CFP hopes dashed
There was more than a Pac-12 championship at stake when No. 4 USC met up with No. 11 Utah on Friday night in Las Vegas.
For the Trojans, a victory would have meant entry into the College Football Playoff, the first visit ever for USC and the first for the Pac-12 since Washington in the 2016 season.
For the Utes, a victory would have meant successfully spoiling things for a school set to leave the conference for the Big Ten, and defending their title from last season.
And Utah was able to do exactly that.
Here are the highlights from the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Magic man
If the Utes weren't worried about slowing down Caleb Williams before the game, they're worried now, as he got it going early in the first quarter via this dime downfield.
That was quick
The Trojans are on the board on their drive, after Williams found Tahj Washington for a short TD.
This browser does not support the Video element.
USC's Caleb Williams finds Tahj Washington for a 2-yard touchdown to give the Trojans a 7-0 lead over Utah.
Caleb is HIM
After Utah put three on the board, it was eventually Williams' turn again.
First, the 59-yard scramble…
This browser does not support the Video element.
Caleb Williams picked up 59 yards on this run, putting the Trojans in scoring position late in the first frame.
… then, a few plays later, the short TD pass on fourth-and-2 to give USC at 14-3 lead in the first quarter.
This browser does not support the Video element.
USC's Caleb Williams connected with Raleek Brown for the 3-yard TD to make it 14-3 for the Trojans.
Trojans have it!
After adding a field goal to take a 17-3 lead, USC turned a big play for Utah into a turnover.
Back at U
Utah is right back in it, scoring on this short run from Ja'Quinden Jackson late in the second quarter to make it 17-10.
Down goes Caleb
The Utes have seized the momentum, and they finally brought Williams down to earth with this sack.
It's tied!
After USC's blazing start, the Utes settled in and have knotted things at halftime, via a 4-yard TD pass from Cameron Rising to Jaylen Dixon with two seconds to go in the second quarter.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Utah Utes' Cameron Rising finds Jaylen Dixon for the 4-yard TD to tie it up at 17 against the USC Trojans.
Near disaster
USC barely avoided an all-time blunder just before half!
Defense wins
Utah is clicking on all cylinders defensively, dropping Williams again early in the second half.
Money parks it in the end zone
The man is money.
It's now 21 unanswered points for the Utes, after this 57-yard TD pass from Rising to Money Parks.
Down goes Williams
Another big Utah sack has USC and its quarterback reeling.
Rising falling
Cam Rising has been the man on Friday night in Vegas … but he got the short-end of the stick on this one.
Big hit aside, the Utes were able to put another three on the board right as the fourth quarter began, and they now lead 27-17.
Trojans storming back
Williams is clearly struggling, but it hasn't stopped him from keeping USC in the game.
After that mad dash, Williams found Mario Williams for the TD to make the score 27-24.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Caleb Williams finds Mario Williams for the 12-yard touchdown and cuts the Utah Utes' lead to 27-24.
Yass!
On Utah's next possession, the Utes regained their 10-point lead when Thomas Yassmin went beast mode on this 60-yard score.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Cameron Rising finds Thomas Yassmin for the 60-yard TD for the Utah Utes to take a 34-24 lead.
Wide open!
USC won't go away that easy. And on fourth down, a hobbled Caleb Williams found Jordan Addison down the sideline.
Picked!
Williams threw only his fourth interception of the year, as he was picked off by R.J. Hubert with just under seven minutes to go in the game.
J.J. to the house!
A CFP berth is looking slim for USC.
Ja'Quinden Jackson put more points on the board for Utah with this 53-yard scamper to give the Utes a 40-24 lead late in the fourth.
All but over
Micah Bernard ran over USC defenders on his way to the end zone, giving Utah a commanding 47-24 lead.
And with that last score, that was it: Utah is back-to-back Pac-12 champions, and USC is surely out of contention for the College Football Playoff.
Read more:
- College football bowl projections: Ohio State or Penn State to the Rose Bowl?
- The top 15 prospects NFL scouts will watch in Championship Week
- College football transfer portal tracker: Notable names on the move
- Joel Klatt: Should Ohio State, Alabama make CFP if TCU, USC lose?
- USC-Utah, Michigan-Purdue: Championship Week By The Numbers
- CFP rankings: Ohio State drops to No. 5, but still has a path
- Harbaugh recruits or fit and development, not star rating
- Michigan, USC, TCU carve very different paths to success
Top stories from FOX Sports:
- Week 13 NFL preview: Predictions, analysis, key matchups and stats for every game
- Bradley Chubb's trade to Miami shook him. Now he feels an injection of new life
- College Football Playoff expansion brings more games, more access, more fun
- Kodai Senga is unlike any other free-agent pitcher. Here's why
- NBA Front Office Confidential: Lakers, Knicks in trade market?
- NBA Debate: What to make of Phoenix's chances out West
- Christian Pulisic cleared to play Saturday vs. Netherlands
- Why USMNT captain Tyler Adams is the ideal leader for coach Gregg Berhalter
- Christian Pulisic injury update: ‘Doing everything in my power’ to play vs Netherlands
- World Cup Power Rankings: USA cracks top 10, Brazil overtakes France at No. 1
- World Cup 2022 Odds: How to bet USA vs Netherlands