The last time the Trojans played at Utah, in 2016, was unforgettable for the USC head coach — and not just because his team blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and lost on a touchdown pass from Troy Williams to Tim Patrick with 16 seconds left.
For several other reasons, that night served as a signpost for the Helton era: It was Sam Darnold’s first start at quarterback after USC started 1-2. It was the Trojans’ last defeat of the season before running off nine straight wins, including a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State. To this day, it marks the only time USC has lost a Pac-12 South Division game under Helton, and it cost the Trojans a chance to play against Washington in the league…
