Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) throws against the USC Trojans in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Utah scores late TD, completes two-point play for 43-42 win

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Oct 16, 2022 1:02 AM ET

"Pac-12 After Dark" is a real thing. Fans were given a taste of it Saturday night when No. 20 Utah took down No. 7 USC by scoring a two-point conversion instead of trying for a game-tying extra point and settling for overtime. They won 43-42.

Head coach Kyle Wittingham made a gutsy call. Coaches make that call knowing the ramifications if their team comes up short. The Utes made sure he didn't have to answer any questions second-guessing his decision by converting the attempt.

UTAH LEADS!@Utah_Football converts for 2 to take the 1-point lead late! pic.twitter.com/e2R04hx8SI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 16, 2022

Quarterback Cameron Rising dropped back to throw but edge rusher Nick Figueroa forced the junior QB to scramble. He beat two USC defenders to the goal line, giving the Utes a lead that wouldn't be relinquished.

It can't be overstated what the play means for Utah's season going forward. While no longer in play for the national championship, a loss would have made Utah (5-2, 3-1 in Pac-12) a non-factor in the Pac-12. With the win, they have a pulse. "It keeps us right in the hunt," said Wittingham on the field post-game. The team is seeking a second consecutive Rose Bowl berth.

Their two-point gamble means Utah still has something worth playing for.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads: