Photo Courtesy: Neon Tommy
Game Info
USC Trojans vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Friday – November 13 – 8:00 pm CT
TV: ESPN2
Folsom Field – Boulder, Colorado
As of this writing there are three games left on the schedule and if you ask me the Buffs should’ve become bowl eligible four games ago. It’s been eight years since the Buffs played in a bowl game. Every week like clockwork we set the stage for Colorado’s next game. Last week the defense was exposed again. The offense sputtered and the special teams well didn’t get into the mix as usual. I like this team because I follow them. I like certain players on both sides of the ball, but as a team the Buffaloes haven’t played a complete game in weeks. Last week they ran into a team waiting to show the country that the Buffs aren’t ready to play in a bowl game. This week USC is looking to once again expose the defense by scoring 30+ points on them. Let’s look at way the Buffs could pull out a victory.
Buffaloes Offense
Sefo Luifau is always the key. He’s been healthy all year and playing like a winning quarterback with winning numbers but a losing record. Now, this Saturday Liufau is poised to test a weak pass defense that the Trojans have. WR Nelson Spruce needs to breakdown the weak corners and hold the ball! CB Adoree Jackson versus Spruce on the outside will be the offensive match up. Spruce’s ability to get separation will give Liufau the ability to stretch the field. Then the running game will open up.
Buffaloes Defense
It starts with stopping the long drives! USC has a strong running game. Colorado struggles with stopping the run so I don’t see a trend bringing it to a halt. Running Back U will expose the defensive line and apply pressure with a strong run attack. The Buffaloes defense will probably allow running backs Ronald Jones II and Dominic Davis to hit holes and reach the second level that will test the linebackers. If the Buffs use an 8-man box to stop the run, QB Cody Kessler will toss the ball around like he’s in a flag football game at the beach. JuJu Smith-Schuster will love catching touchdowns on a depleted Buffs secondary.
Prediction
The Buffs will give up big yards on the ground and struggle to stop the USC backs. I believe that the Buffs can win, but common sense forces me to look past how my heart feels and tell you that the Buffs will drop another one at home. USC 35 – Buffaloes 14
