The Associated Press
COLORADO (2-4, 0-3) at No. 22 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (4-2, 3-1), 6 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks)
Line: USC by 19 1/2.
Series Record: USC leads 8-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
After splitting consecutive games decided on the final snap, USC would love a chance to pad its Pac-12 South lead with a comfortable homecoming game at the Coliseum. Colorado has never beaten the Trojans, but the Buffaloes are coming off a bye and primed for a signature win for coach Mike MacIntyre.
KEY MATCHUP
Colorado WR Nelson Spruce vs. USC’s injury-plagued secondary. The Buffs’ best chance could be a big game from Spruce, who leads the nation with 62 receptions and 10 TD catches. Starting USC cornerbacks Kevon Seymour and Adoree Jackson both left last week’s win at Arizona with injuries, which means the Trojans’ primary pass defenders Saturday might be untested freshmen Jonathan Lockett and Chris Hawkins.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado: WR Shay Fields. The St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California) product committed to USC, but was disinvited when new Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian took over last December. He accepted the Buffs’ offer, and is already second on the team with 33 catches as a freshman.
USC: RB Javorius Allen. The junior is putting together a dynamic season at Tailback U., leading the Pac-12 in yards rushing, all-purpose yards and rushing TDs after he went for 205 yards and three TDs last week.
FACTS & FIGURES
Colorado has lost 21 straight road games against ranked teams. … USC QB Cody Kessler has thrown just two TD passes in the last two games after throwing 10 in the Trojans’ first four games. He has still thrown just one interception while completing 69.1 percent of his passes this season. … The Buffaloes are 4-26 in conference play since joining the Pac-12. They’re the only team still winless in conference play this season. … USC has no players from Colorado, and the Buffs have 55 players from California. … Colorado has the Pac-12’s worst run defense, giving up 5.0 yards per carry.
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