Pac-12 South Notebook: Kessler, USC look for spot in title game

Published Nov. 24, 2015 1:04 p.m. ET

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USC has lost four times, but would win the Pac-12 South by defeating UCLA in quarterback Cody Kessler’s final regular-season game as a Trojan.

Kessler’s performance vs. Oregon’s poor pass defense was concerning. Register-Guard’s Steve Mims observes that against the Ducks, except for Kessler’s 27-yard touchdown, the USC senior failed to record a pass for more than 16 yards. Kessler’s lack of explosiveness has become problematic in losses like last weekend against Oregon.

This weekend, however, Kessler and the Trojans can recover from seemingly endless stubbed toes for a chance at redemption.

Kessler will face UCLA freshman Josh Rosen, who has the look of a star. Rosen was born in 1997 and may have played high school football last season, but he is already performing at a rate that outshines Kessler in some regard.

Rosen averages 284 yards per game, compared with Kessler’s 268. Rosen has thrown a touchdown in all but one game. Kessler was blanked twice. Despite a lack of experience, Rosen rarely makes mistakes. UCLA’s freshman quarterback has thrown one more interception (7) than Kessler.

"He throws into windows that Cody Kessler doesn't throw into,” Utah cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah told the Salt Lake Tribune.

UCLA’s experienced offensive line has allowed a conference-best 12 sacks, while USC has allowed 33, including 23 in its last six games.

If Rosen can defeat USC, he will do something his freshman season that Kessler never did while in college: play for the Pac-12 championship.

"I don't think anybody thinks a freshman can do the things he's doing," UCLA senior receiver Jordan Payton told the LA Times.

If Kessler can win, he will arguably secure the biggest victory of his collegiate career. And he’ll leave behind a legacy as a Pac-12 South champion.

Did Utah’s Joe Williams show enough to be full-time replacement for Devontae Booker?

When Utah was rising as one of the nation’s top teams, running back Devontae Booker was earning legitimate hype as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Booker, a senior, was lost for the recent after recently requiring surgery on a torn meniscus. His replacement, Joe Williams, looked more than serviceable vs. UCLA. He had 112 yards on 20 carries with 8:39 remaining in the third quarter, ending the game with over 120 yards.

“My motivation was that people doubted me, thinking the running game offense wouldn’t be the same,” Williams said in a postgame interview with ESPN. “It pushed me to do what I really had to do today.”

Booker ended the season with 268 carries. Williams, a junior college transfer, entered the game with 19 rushing attempts for Utah.

Without Booker, the Utes lacked rushing experience. That was most evident when Williams lost a fumble that helped UCLA secure the win that eliminated Utah from Pac-12 South contention.

But even despite the fumble Williams had his good moments, too.

“Joe Williams has a bright future,” said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, via Utah’s official Twitter account. “He came in and ran hard."

Williams looked productive against UCLA. But was it enough to earn a job as Utah’s leading rusher next season once Booker’s eligibility has elapsed? That case will continue to be heard when Utah plays Colorado on Saturday.

Can Colorado senior receiver Nelson Spruce beat Utah?

Nelson Spruce became Colorado’s leading all-time receiver earlier this season. The senior has 289 catches.

In the first half vs. Washington State, Spruce had eight catches for 103 yards. He’s also one of the top 10 leaders for receiving yards in Pac-12 history. This weekend, he faces Utah.

“I am even trying to enjoy practice, as hard as that is,” said Spruce, via Rivals. “I just want to soak it all in."

Last season, Spruce had 91 yards (18.2 yards per catch) with a touchdown during Colorado’s four-point loss to Utah. He also had a touchdown during close losses to Utah during games in 2012 and 2013.

Bryan Kalbrosky is a content producer for FOX Sports. He tweets about other things, too. Follow him for more Pac-12 South Notebook links!