Pac-12 Football: USC, Utah Kick Off Conference’s Season

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

While UCLA football doesn’t take the field until late on Saturday, there’s still football happening on Thursday.

More importantly, Pac-12 football begins on Thursday. And though neither of the games are marquee by any means, both have a level of intrigue that might be worth keeping your eye on.

Here’s a quick ‘n’ dirty preview of each game.

No. 24 USC at Hawaii

Time: 8:00 p.m. PT

TV: CBS Sports Network

Preview: The Trojans begin their season against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, as easy a start as any team can hope for. If we’re being brutally honest (we are), Hawaii wound up being the worst college football team in the nation. While they were mildly competent on offense, there was no team worse defensively than Hawaii. USC, a team that lacked any real bravado or swagger in 2012, trounced this team, perhaps one of the few times in which USC looked as good as they were advertised. This time is different; head coach Lane Kiffin is on the hot seat, the Trojans no longer have an experienced quarterback at the helm, and starting running back Silas Redd isn’t traveling with the team due to injury. USC should win, but don’t be surprised if Hawaii keeps it close.

Utah State at Utah

Time: 5:00 p.m. PT

TV: FOX Sports 1

A rematch of last year’s thriller, the two in-state rivals take the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium. While USU shocked the Utes—who were, at the time, on the cusp of a spot in the Top 25—this year’s match-up is quite different. While the Utes bring in a better defensive line and a bit more stability at quarterback, the Aggies are onboarding a new head coach after Gary Andersen left behind State following one of the best seasons in school history. A loss here could be difficult for Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to recover from, and may catapult him into the ever-dreaded hot seat.