University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 11: USC vs. Colorado
November 10, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
USC is 11-0 against Colorado, its most wins against an opponent without a loss.
No. 11 USC Trojans (8-2, 6-1) vs. Colorado Buffaloes (5-5, 2-5)
Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, at 1 p.m. PT on FOX
Buffalo to Watch: Senior RB Phillip Lindsay
Before the game, Ralphie the buffalo will sprint the length of the field. From there, Lindsay will take the baton. He is the focal point of CU's offense, ranking third in the Pac-12 in rushing. While his yardage is impressive, his workload is a major reason. For context, Lindsay has 104 more carries than Ronald Jones II this season. In one game against Arizona, he ran the ball 41 times. So, if it's working, expect the Buffs to ride Lindsay all afternoon.
3 Keys
Ride the Hot Hand
USC RB Ronald Jones II has averaged 205 yards per game on the ground over the last two. The junior tailback is making a late run for postseason award consideration, and he has an opportunity to surge up the all-time record books with a big game in Boulder. The Buffs run defense has been porous, yielding 199.3 yards per game, 11th best in the Pac-12. The Trojans will travel to Colorado with a stable of healthy rushers, including Aca'Cedric Ware and Stephen Carr, who could all benefit from some open holes.
Maul Montez
The Trojans lead the nation in sacks, and they have done it as a unit. DE Rasheem Green leads the Pac-12 with 7 sacks, but USC has four players in the top 10, DE Christian Rector (6.5), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (5.5) and DT Josh Fatu (5.0). Rector could be back this week, but either way, OLB Jordan Iosefa was impressive in the "Predator" spot last week. Colorado QB Steven Montez is mobile, but he's no Khalil Tate, so the Trojans will be on the attack from the outset.
Eyes on the Prize
If USC wins the game, the Trojans are Pac-12 South champions. The division title is step one as USC pursues its first conference crown since 2008. The Buffaloes are still playing for bowl eligibility, and they have plenty of pride as the defending Pac-12 South champs, so the Trojans must jump on them early to squash their belief. In chilly weather and high altitude, USC would be wise to avoid another dramatic ending.
Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, at 1 p.m. PT on FOX
Buffalo to Watch: Senior RB Phillip LindsayBefore the game, Ralphie the buffalo will sprint the length of the field. From there, Lindsay will take the baton. He is the focal point of CU's offense, ranking third in the Pac-12 in rushing. While his yardage is impressive, his workload is a major reason. For context, Lindsay has 104 more carries than Ronald Jones II this season. In one game against Arizona, he ran the ball 41 times. So, if it's working, expect the Buffs to ride Lindsay all afternoon.
3 Keys
Ride the Hot Hand
USC RB Ronald Jones II has averaged 205 yards per game on the ground over the last two. The junior tailback is making a late run for postseason award consideration, and he has an opportunity to surge up the all-time record books with a big game in Boulder. The Buffs run defense has been porous, yielding 199.3 yards per game, 11th best in the Pac-12. The Trojans will travel to Colorado with a stable of healthy rushers, including Aca'Cedric Ware and Stephen Carr, who could all benefit from some open holes.
Maul Montez
The Trojans lead the nation in sacks, and they have done it as a unit. DE Rasheem Green leads the Pac-12 with 7 sacks, but USC has four players in the top 10, DE Christian Rector (6.5), OLB Uchenna Nwosu (5.5) and DT Josh Fatu (5.0). Rector could be back this week, but either way, OLB Jordan Iosefa was impressive in the "Predator" spot last week. Colorado QB Steven Montez is mobile, but he's no Khalil Tate, so the Trojans will be on the attack from the outset.
Eyes on the Prize
If USC wins the game, the Trojans are Pac-12 South champions. The division title is step one as USC pursues its first conference crown since 2008. The Buffaloes are still playing for bowl eligibility, and they have plenty of pride as the defending Pac-12 South champs, so the Trojans must jump on them early to squash their belief. In chilly weather and high altitude, USC would be wise to avoid another dramatic ending.
Players Mentioned
TB
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DT
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DT
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ILB
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TB
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OLB
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DL
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TB
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