University Southern California Trojans
USC Football Back In Action This Weekend
September 06, 2000 | Football
Sept. 6, 2000
LOS ANGELES - Southern California routed a perennial power in its season opener two weeks ago. Now the No. 11 Trojans are hoping that momentum didn't fade during a bye week as they play host to Colorado on Saturday at Los Angeles Coliseum.
Southern California answered some major questions with a 29-5 win over Penn State on Aug. 27.
With 164 yards on the ground against the Nittany Lions, the Trojans have proven they should be able to field a solid running game. Southern California lost last season's 1,000-yard rusher Chad Morton to graduation.
The Trojans may have found a new backfield star in sophomore Sultan McCullough, who ran 29 times for a career-high 128 yards.
McCullough, who emerged as the starter in training camp, had 90 carries for 413 yards last season, but had never rushed more than 21 times in a game.
"People say I'm just a track star. They say, 'Oh, he's fast, but all he can do is run track,"' McCullough said. "I want to show everybody I can do it all."
With a potent running attack, it wasn't necessary for USC to rely heavily on its passing game against Penn State.
But talented quarterback Carson Palmer, playing for the first time since breaking his collarbone in the third game last season, was steady in completing 10 of 20 throws for 87 yards.
Wide receiver Kareem Kelly, who could develop into Palmer's favorite target this season, had just two receptions for 15 yards.
USC is 80-17-7 in home openers.
Despite outgaining its opponent by 140 yards and 12 first downs, Colorado lost 28-24 to Colorado State last Saturday in its season opener.
The Buffaloes committed no turnovers and took just three penalties.
Colorado quarterback Zac Colvin and tailback Cortlen Johnson are hampered by injuries, and their status for Saturday's game is unknown.
Colvin should start if he suffers no lingering effects from the bruised elbow that forced him to the sidelines after the first quarter against Colorado State. That decision will be made by Thursday.
Johnson rushed for 121 yards last Saturday but suffered a sprained toe. If he cannot play, freshman Marcus Houston would start.
Southern California has won all three meetings with Colorado. This will be their first matchup since 1964, when the Trojans won 21-0.
