Utah vs. USC prediction: Trojans will eke out a victory in Pac-12 title game

Utah and USC are playing in the Pac-12 championship game in Las Vegas on Friday. USC is 11-1 and in fourth place in this week's College Football Playoff rankings. If they win, they will play for the national championship for first time since the 2006 Rose Bowl game against Texas.

Utah and USC are playing for the Pac-12 title. USC is a moneyline favorite at Caesars Sportsbook.

Utah's defense ranks in the top 20 nationally in total yards allowed, rushing yards, points allowed and pass defense. USC's offense is very prolific, but the defense is not. Utah has won four of its last five games. The Utes lost at Oregon two weeks ago, although Bo Nix was injured. USC has put up 38 or more points in 10 of 12 games, including the last six in a row. It has also lost to Florida, UCLA and USC. Ute's last three opponents were all high-powered offenses. They lost in Gainesville, the week before they played USC, and they lost against UCLA.