Time: 4 p.m. Saturday, Pac-12 Network, KRSJ 100.5 FM.
Line: USC by 19½.
Series Record: USC leads 8-0.
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After splitting consecutive games decided on the final snap, USC would love a chance to pad its Pac-12 South lead with a comfortable homecoming game at the Coliseum.
Colorado never has beaten the Trojans, but the Buffaloes are coming off a bye and are primed for a signature win for head coach Mike MacIntyre.
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Colorado wide receiver Nelson Spruce vs. USC’s injury-plagued secondary: The Buffs’ best chance could be a big game from Spruce, who leads the nation with 62 receptions and 10 touchdown catches. Starting USC cornerbacks Adoree Jackson and Kevon Seymour both left last week’s win at Arizona with injuries, which means the Trojans’ primary pass defenders Saturday might be untested freshmen Chris Hawkins and Jonathan Lockett.
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Colorado: wide receiver Shay Fields. The St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California) product committed to USC but was disinvited when new Trojans’ head coach Steve Sarkisian took over last December. He accepted the Buffs’ offer, and he already is second on the team with 33 catches as a freshman.
USC: running back Javorius Allen. The junior is putting together a dynamic season at Tailback U., leading the Pac-12 in all-purpose yards, rushing touchdowns and rushing yards after he went for 205 yards and three touchdowns last week.
Facts & Figures
Colorado has lost 21 consecutive road games against ranked teams.
USC quarterback Cody Kessler has thrown just two touchdown passes in the last two games after throwing 10 in the Trojans’ first four games. He still has thrown just one interception while completing 69.1-percent of his passes this season.
The Buffaloes are 4-26 in conference play since joining the Pac-12. They’re the only team still winless in conference play this season.
USC has no players from Colorado; the Buffs have 55 players from California.
Colorado has the Pac-12’s worst run defense, giving up 5.0 yards per carry.
Associated Press
