- Here is this week's injury report per head coach Clay Helton: OT Zach Banner (ankle - pulled mid-practice), LB Jabari Ruffin (concussion protocol), DB Ykili Ross (shoulder sprain), CB Jonathan Lockett (shoulder sprain but participated), RB Dominic Davis (returned from knee hyperextension), RB Aca'Cedric Ware (nursing a hand injury), TE Taylor McNamara (lower back strain).
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WR Deontay Burnett was treated to an icy bath for his birthday thanks to JuJu Smith-Schuster and Adoree' Jackson who chased the sophomore around with an ice bucket before dousing him after practice.
- Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin have changed their game plan to utilize QB Sam Darnold's skill-set, but the head coach does not consider USC a "spread offense" team because the Trojans typically use a tight end in their base sets. Whether USC is a spread team or not, the mobile quarterback is forcing opponents to defend the Trojans differently. Helton explained that having a second live runner in the backfield has forced defenses to stack the box even when USC is spread out.
- RB Justin Davis has also benefited with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games since Darnold took over. Helton called the senior a "complete back" who also contributes as a pass-catcher and blocker. The always humble Davis is happy to contribute any way he can, but he has been in a groove lately as the lead back. "The more touches on a ball you get, the more comfortable you get," he explained. "You're more in tune with the game. It's kind of like an NBA shooter."
- Like any smart running back, Davis credited his offensive line for opening up holes. "They've just been working their butts off all week and stuff's starting to click," said Davis about the offensive line's recent success. "We always have room for improvement. We can't stop there, because we've still got some very hard teams ahead of us."
- Center Nico Falah credited his offensive line coach Neil Callaway for bringing this unit together. "Give it up to Coach Callaway," said Falah. "He drilled us really hard this past week against ASU, and this Colorado week's going to be tough too, because they're a really good defensive front. Coach Callaway's doing his best to get us ready for their schemes, their defensive line games and everything."
- Helton profusely complimented Colorado's veteran team under head coach Mike MacIntyre. He called the Buffaloes' offense "extremely balanced" which is apparent in the stats. Colorado is third in the Pac-12 in rushing and passing. While the Buffaloes have not announced a quarterback for the game, both Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez have played well and they are similar enough that USC only needs one defensive game plan, according to Helton.
- Defensively, Colorado runs a 3-4 with 10 returning starters, and the front seven is stout. The Buffaloes are the top rated defense in the Pac-12 through five games. Helton has challenged special teams coach John Baxter to be the difference-maker against Colorado, which struggled in the third phase of the game against Michigan.
- Here is Helton with the complete breakdown of Colorado:
