Game comparisons even with common opponents often do not predict outcomes however since UT and USC played Bama in consecutive weeks... it could be a little instructive on the relative strength of the two teams as we enter Saturday:
Bama's O vs... UT = 256 yds, USCe = 356 Advantage UT
Bama's passing O vs... UT = 120 yds/4.1 yds per att, USC = 92 yds/4.6 yds per att even/slight adv USC (However Bama gave up on trying to run over UT like they did USC)
Bama's rushing O vs... UT = 136 yds/4.5 ypc, USC = 264 yds/6.9 ypc Clear UT advantage
Passing vs Bama.... UT = 265 yds/7.2 yds per attempt, USC = 214/4.7 yds per att Advantage UT
QB rating... Crompton = 124, Garcia = 78
Rushing vs Bama.... UT = 76 yds/2.2 ypc, USC = 64 yds/2.4 ypc Push... and anemic for both
Drives that moved inside Bama's 30... UT = 6, USC = 4 Adv UT
Drives of more than 40 yards... UT = 4, USC = 2 Adv UT
Drives of 40 or more allowed... UT = 3, USC = 3 Push
Punt return yds allowed.... UT = 2 for 33 yds, USC = 5 for 75 yds Adv UT
Kick return yds allowed.... UT = 1 for 30, USC = 2 for 45 yds Adv USC
Punt return avg/yds... UT = 23/23, USC = 7/7 Adv UT
Kick return avg/yds... UT = 142/28.4, USC = 111/22.2 Adv UT
Turnover's for/against... UT = 1/1, USC = 4/2 Adv USC (But that is instructive in itself... TO's helped keep USC in it... Offense and Defense kept UT in it)
At no time was USC in a "should have won" situation. UT was there at least 3 times if you don't count the drive ended by a penalty. USC was able to hand on with Bama... UT OUTPLAYED AND OUTCOACHED Bama in every aspect except FG's. Even the other aspects of the kicking game were well played by UT.