Colorado at USC – Preview and Prediction
USC 4.5 COLORADO (63.5)
Implied Projected Score: USC 34 Colorado 29.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – USC -7
The Game
The Sam Darnold era at USC is off to a pretty good start. The Trojans probably deserved to beat a really good Utah team on the road and then followed that up by giving Arizona St a 41-20 beating last weekend. How about those Colorado Buffaloes ? Their fans DESERVE this 4-1 start and there is no reason to think they cannot have a really good season as the PAC 12 South is up for grabs.
The Match-Up
USC offense vs Colorado defense
Good things should be on the horizon for the Trojans. They have scored 68 points in their past two games and QB Sam Darnold seems to be just what the doctor ordered. In addition, the Trojans have won their two home games by a combined score of 86-27. The momentum is building. WR Juju Smith-Schuster is getting involved and RB Justin Davis is starting to dominate in the running game. We see the Trojans getting into the 30s.
The Buffaloes have an experienced defense and have really looked good against lesser opponents (Colorado St, Idaho St, Oregon St). When the Buffs faced Michigan and Oregon they gave up 45 and 38 points respectively. Before we get on NARRATIVE STREET and start proclaiming the Buffs a National Title contender because they hung with Michigan for a half of football, we need to see how they do over the next three weeks against USC, Arizona St and Stanford. Keep in mind, QB Liufau was hurt during the Michigan game, but Steven Montez has proven to be just as effective. Our point ? Colorado is much improved (we are not surprised) but we all need to calm down just a tad.
Colorado offense vs USC defense
It is probably not going to matter who starts at QB for Colorado on Saturday. Both Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez have been excellent this season leading the team to a 4-1 start. Colorado has been very balanced on offense as they are ranked #33 in rushing (who would have thought that?) and #8 in passing efficiency. They have also been very good on 3rd downs. USC is going to have their hands full, but keep in mind, they have played the #4 ranked schedule according to the Sagarin ratings and have faced some pretty tough competition.
MEGA-MAZEMENT !
If we are to believe the Phil Steele magazine, and how can you not, the Buffs are 0-10 SU against the Trojans…..This definitely feels like a breakout season for Colorado but keep in mind they are only 3-15 SU away from home under HC MacIntyre….USC has played….so far…..Alabama…Utah St…Stanford….Utah….Arizona St.
Summary
There is no doubt Colorado can win this game. Just something to consider. Last season (yes LAST season – we know), Colorado was almost a 20 point underdog to a pretty average USC team. At home. While they almost won that contest, now they are only catching 4-5 points on the road. The Buffaloes are over +65 vs the Vegas number so far in four FBS games. Hard to imagine you are getting any kind of value backing them in this spot.
Conclusion
Official play: USC -4.5 -110 (play up to -6)