Utah
USC Trojans vs Utah State: Instant Analysis, Lincoln Riley Establishing Team Identity
Instant Reaction:
The USC Trojans came out the gate very aggressively in the run game. Running back Woody Marks piled up 49 yards on three attempts on the first drive alone.The mentality to come out and impose their will was clear, and the zone and power run schemes have always been integral elements of Lincoln Riley’s offense. However, the Trojans appear to be making those running concepts an emphasis this season.
The Trojans ran for 142 yards in the first quarter, their most in the first quarter since 2018. Marks’ 103 first-half yards were the most by a Trojan player since Ronald Jones in 2017. With the switch to the Big Ten and the amount of National Football League coaches added to the staff, the identity of the Trojans is beginning to take shape. They want to be physically dominant on both sides.
Tight End Truthers:
Tight ends can be the ultimate Swiss Army knife in a balance offense. The Trojans have made a concerted effort to get their tight ends involved. Lake McRee, coming off a five-reception 56-yard performance against LSU, looked like he was a major part of the game plan. In the first three drives, McRee had two catches for 43 yards.
The Trojans also featured him on the perimeter in the passing game as a lead blocker. Having a big body out there that’s athletic enough to move his feet and get into position without being susceptible to holding calls is a huge advantage for any offense.
McRee did have a fumble in the second quarter. A Utah State defender punched the ball out from behind while he was running for a huge gain and he never saw it. He’ll want that one back, but it’s a tough play. Taking care of the ball is always important, but the looks will force defenses in the future to game-plan for McRee which will open up other opportunities.
D’Anton’s Defense:
The Trojans’ defense led by defense coordinator D’Anton Lynn is doing a fantastic job of showing multiple looks, especially on obvious passing downs. On a third and nine early in the first quarter, he showed a simulated pressure where he blitzed linebacker Eric Gentry and dropped an interior defensive lineman.
It’s those type of looks that can influence offensive coordinators to reduce the play sheet. Quarterbacks and offensive linemen are on high alert for the rest of the game, and it can cause problems long past the initial call.
Tackling in space continues to be a strong point for the defense and the defensive backs in particular. Only two games in, but one of the biggest weaknesses from the last two Trojans’ teams looks like it will be one of the biggest strengths this season.
The Trojan defense earned a shutout for the first time since 2011 for their efforts and held the Utah State offense to only 190 total yards and 87 rushing yards.
“I’m excited about the defensive performance,” said Lincoln Riley in the on-field post-game interview. How could he not be after the first two games?
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Lani White — Senior Guard (13.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
At the top of Utah’s roster is Lani White, the team’s leading scorer and one of its most versatile weapons. White is averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, showing she can score both from the perimeter and in transition, while also crashing the glass effectively. Her shooting splits this season, including 41.1% from three and nearly 80% at the free-throw line, which makes her a multi-faceted scoring threat.
White’s ability to hit tough jumpers and attack closeouts will test Arizona’s perimeter defense. Her rebounding numbers are also notable for a guard, meaning she could create extra offensive possessions and limit second-chance opportunities for the Wildcats.
Arizona will need to be disciplined in its rotations to prevent White from getting easy shots off screens or in catch-and-shoot situations.
Maty Wilke — Senior Guard (9.2 PPG, 2.8 APG)
Another key veteran presence for Utah is Maty Wilke. Wilke finds a lot of ways to impact the game, giving Utah a reliable offense and playmaking. Her ability to score — particularly from deep — adds spacing to Utah’s offense, and she has been an efficient shooter this year.
Wilke’s experience is especially important in late-game situations. She can handle the ball under pressure and make plays for herself or others, which puts pressure on Arizona’s defensive switches and helps Utah maintain offensive flow. Preparing for Wilke’s mobility and decision-making will be a priority for Arizona, especially in denying her rhythm from behind the arc.
Avery Hjelmstad — Guard (9.0 PPG)
Rounding out the top trio is freshman guard Avery Hjelmstad, who has quickly become a go-to scoring option. Hjelmstad is averaging nine points per game, providing Utah with scoring punch beyond its senior leaders. Her size and offensive instincts make her a matchup problem, particularly when she gets downhill or operates off the catch.
Although still early in her collegiate career, Hjelmstad’s impact cannot be understated. She helps diversify Utah’s scoring threats, meaning Arizona’s defense can’t just focus on shutting down White and Wilke. Arizona will need to communicate effectively on switches and close out hard-to-contest Hjelmstad’s perimeter attempts.
Why These Players Matter in the Utah-Arizona Matchup
Collectively, these three players embody Utah’s balanced offensive attack. White’s scoring and rebounding, Wilke’s shot-making and experience, and Hjelmstad’s emerging scoring ability present multiple challenges for Arizona’s defense.
Utah’s offensive success this season has hinged on spreading the floor, moving the ball, and taking advantage of open looks, something these players excel at.
For Arizona to succeed, it will need to disrupt Utah’s rhythm early, contest shots at the perimeter, and also win the battle on the boards to limit second-chance points. Keeping White in check, forcing Wilke into tough decisions, and closing out aggressively on Hjelmstad could go a long way toward tipping the balance in Arizona’s favor.
Facing these threats won’t be easy, but how Arizona defends them will likely be a major storyline in this Big 12 clash.
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