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Dominant defense propels USC past Utah

USC’s Nelson Agholor tumbles in for game’s only TD. (Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Cody Kessler passed for 230 yards, Nelson Agholor scored the game’s only touchdown on an early 30-yard reception, and Southern California’s defense forced four turnovers in a 19-3 victory over Utah on Saturday.

Andre Heidari kicked four field goals for the Trojans (5-3, 2-2 Pac-12), who persevered despite a daunting injury list for their second victory in three games under interim coach Ed Orgeron.

Travis Wilson passed for just 51 yards and threw two interceptions while obviously struggling with a sprained finger for Utah (4-4, 1-4), which has followed up its stunning victory over Stanford with consecutive losses to Arizona and USC.

USC’s defense was dominant, yielding just 201 yards while holding the Utes scoreless after their opening drive.

Both offenses struggled mightily at the Coliseum, but Heidari set a career high for field goals after nearly losing his job during the week. The junior missed two field-goal attempts at Notre Dame last week in USC’s 14-10 loss.