Well, that wasn't exactly artistic.
USC overcame two fumbles, an interception and several ill-timed penalties to outlast Utah, 17-14, in the Pacific 12 Conference opener before 73,821 at the Coliseum.
The game was not decided until USC's Matt Kalil blocked a 41-yard field-goal attempt by Coleman Peterson with 11 seconds left. Torin Harris returned the ball to the end zone for an apparent touchdown, but USC players had streamed onto the field during the return, incurring an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that nullified the return.
Senior tailback Marc Tyler returned from a suspension and rushed for 113 yards in 24 carries and scored a touchdown as USC imporoved to 2-0.
USC, which led 10-7 at halftime, scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Matt Barkley to Xavier Grimble in the third quarter for a 10-point lead and held on for the victory.
The Trojans defense stifled five Utah possessions in the fourth quarter.
USC appeared to clinch the victory when officials ruled that Utah came up inches short on a fourth-and-10 play with 20 seconds left. But a review of the spot showed the Utes had gained a first down, giving them one last play before trying to kick a field goal that could have tied the score.
Barkley completed 20 of 32 passes for 263 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn was 23 of 46 for 238 yards and a touchdown.
--Gary Klein
USC 17, Utah 14 (6:20 left in the third quarter)
If at first you don't succeed...
First, let's back up.
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