Utah faces USC in first game since Aaron Lowe's death

Updated Oct. 7, 2021 3:20 p.m. ET

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — For the second time in less than a year, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is trying to help his players deal with the loss of a teammate.

Whittingham hopes the Utes can find some solace on the field when they play at Southern California on Saturday, their first game since safety Aaron Lowe was killed in a shooting at a postgame party.

“That’s exactly the sentiment that the leadership council said is the best way to heal and the best way to get through this together is to get back to doing what they love and one of the main reasons why they’re here,” Whittingham said. “That’s getting back to some sense of normalcy, but at the same time you never put it out of your mind. But it’s just a therapy in and of itself, I guess you could say, getting back on the field.”

Lowe was

Lowe and Jordan were friends and high school teammates in Mesquite, Texas. Lowe switched his jersey number to Jordan’s No. 22 this season and was the first recipient of a memorial scholarship established in Jordan’s honor.

“I mean, it kind of all is wrapped into one now, so it’s been the most challenging year of my coaching career, hands down, without any question,” Whittingham said.

Freshman cornerback Clark Phillips III said Utah (2-2, 1-0 Pac-12) hopes to use the rest of this season to honor Lowe. The Utes are one of just three teams without a conference loss, along with No. 22 Arizona State in the Pac-12 South and Oregon State in the North, so a division crown or conference title and Rose Bowl berth are still in play, especially if they can win at USC (3-2, 2-2) for the first time since 1916.

“As a team, we’re trying to use this to propel us forward and get closer,” Phillips said. “Now it just makes us realize life ain’t promised. Love those you can love.”

MOURNING LOWE

Utah will charter a flight to attend Lowe’s funeral in Texas on Monday. Whittingham said attendance will not be mandatory but all players, coaches, and team staff who choose to go will be able to travel to Texas.

CONSISTENCY WANTED

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RISING TIDE

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EYE SEE YOU

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AP freelance writer John Coon contributed to this report.

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