Click here for the recap and final stats.
Click here for the post-game press conference.
Whatever It TakesThe Trojans had no more room this season for a regrettable loss, so while they probably should have won this game more comfortably, what matters most is that they won it at all. To do so, USC needed a staunch defensive performance because while the offense racked up 539 yards, four turnovers limited the scoring. The USC defense held Colorado to 6 of 17 on third down and forced seven punts and one remarkable interception. "We're coming closer together every week," said OLB Uchenna Nwosu, who had a team-high 10 tackles plus a sack. "Coach Clancy [Pendergast] has us building a special bond. We play our hearts out for each other and for the offense." Even with the impressive D, the offense had to make the game-winning plays tied at 14 in the fourth quarter. Senior WR Darreus Rogers came through with "one of the greatest plays I've seen in my life," said head coach Clay Helton. Rogers ripped a 50-50 ball away from the defender for a 46-yard catch to setup the go-ahead touchdown. "I saw the ball in the air and I wanted it more," said Rogers. "I wanted this victory for my team."
Get a Grip
For the second time in three games, USC fumbled the ball away three times. To make matters worse, QB Sam Darnold added an interception as part of an ugly third quarter. "Anytime you turn the ball over four times and win a game, you're very happy because that usually doesn't happen," said Helton. "You really have to give the game ball to our defense." While the defense was able to persevere, giving up only seven points off those four turnovers, the Trojans know that they must hold on to the ball better going forward.
Dangerous Darnold
Darnold contributed three of the turnovers (two fumbles and his first career interception), but he also passed for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns. "He's doing a good job distributing the ball to several different guys," said Helton about Darnold. "The one thing that we have to do is protect the ball at that position." While Darnold looked like a freshman at times tonight, he is an exceptionally talented one. He became USC's first freshman quarterback to throw for 300+ yards in back-to-back games since Todd Marinovich in 1989. Helton explained that Darnold is "not a finished product yet," but he shook off the mistakes to lead game-winning and game-sealing drives in the fourth quarter.
Four Minute Offense
While the game-winning drive was impressive, the game-sealing drive showed tremendous growth by the USC offense which has struggled to put games away in recent years. Up 21-17 with just over four minutes left in the game, Helton refused to be conservative. "I told Tee [Martin] in the beginning, 'Let's control our own destiny here. We're going to play it like it's 0-0,'" said Helton. "I'm going to be smiling tonight because we ended the game offensively." Martin dialed up a masterful drive which was finished off by an aggressive third down completion to JuJu Smith-Schuster, who could have sprinted into the end zone, but decided to slide down and guarantee victory. Helton praised the play and the player for being "so unselfish."
Tight End U
For years, many USC fans have screamed at the top of their lungs to throw the ball to the tight end. Well, if you are one of those fans, today was your day. "It's always in the game plan, but whether we really get the ball or not is always a question," said TE Tyler Petite. "Sam has been working his progressions really well. My first touchdown was just an incredible play by him to keep the play alive." Petite, who is Darnold's roommate, caught two scores, while fellow TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe grabbed the other touchdown.
Open Race
USC handed Colorado its first conference loss of the season, meaning every Pac-12 South school has at least one loss. The Trojans have work to do but they are back in the fight. "We're climbing out of the hole right now," said Helton. "We beat a good Colorado team, and now we have to go get ready for Arizona." USC is 3-0 at the Coliseum this season, but 0-3 away from home, so the Trojans must remedy that problem starting next week in Tucson. "That's going to be a big game," said Nwosu. "You know their fans are live. It's hard to hear in there, so communication is going to be a big key."
Extra Point...
JD Update
Senior RB Justin Davis was on his way to another 100-yard performance when he suffered a "high ankle sprain," which could cause him to miss some time. Helton will update the injury during the week.
Here are the highlights:
