USC vs. Colorado score: Caleb Williams stars as No. 8 Trojans hold off late run from Deion Sanders-led Buffs

No. 8 USC overcame a late Colorado run to hold off the Buffaloes 48-41 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. Trojans star quarterback Caleb Williams tied a career high with six passing touchdowns, but the Trojans nearly blew a massive lead thanks to a horrendous second-half effort in all phases. 

The Trojans were leading 34-7 late in the second quarter but allowed Colorado to go on a 34-14 run to cut the lead to two touchdowns early in the fourth quarter. USC was held to a field goal attempt with about six minutes remaining but missed the try, providing Colorado with more life. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders then found Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the lead to one score. 

Sanders hit on several big plays to wide receiver Omarion Miller, including completions of 65 and 44 yards. Miller finished with 196 yards and a touchdown on the day. Despite the effort from Sanders, Colorado's offense took far too long on its final drive to try and get into the end zone after handing the ball off multiple times -- calls that were met with boos from the Buffaloes faithful in attendance. 

Colorado had an onside kick to try and create one more opportunity, but USC recovered the ball with ease and Williams was able to kneel out the clock. 

The second half flailing overshadowed what should have been a dominant performance from USC. Trojans receiver Tahj Washington posted 117 yards and a touchdown, while Brenden Rice added two touchdowns on five catches. Running back MarShawn Lloyd averaged 6.5 yards per carry but was handed the ball just 13 times. Williams threw for 403 yards in the win. 

Lincoln Riley's game management left much to be desired throughout. The Trojans scored their final points with 2:14 remaining in the fourth quarter and turtled afterward. Williams completed just two of his final six pass attempts, including the interception that nearly swung the game. USC's last three drives ended with an interception, a punt and a missed field goal. 

USC loses focus

Lincoln Riley is 71-13 as a head coach across his time at Oklahoma and USC. He is unquestionably one of the best coaches in college football. At the same time, however, Riley's teams struggle to maintain consistent focus late in games. 

Famously, USC gave up 16 points in the final 4:07 of the Cotton Bowl to lose against Tulane. In a 43-42 loss to Utah, USC was outscored 15-7 in the fourth quarter. Even in Riley's final game at Oklahoma, the Sooners gave up 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to lose their first Bedlam game in seven years. 

It's easy to point to the defense, and with good reason. Things have not clicked at any point under defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. At the same time, USC went from scoring five touchdowns in seven first-half drives to going scoreless in the fourth quarter. Most teams won't spot USC a 27-point lead. This is a head coaching issue that Riley has to solve. 

Colorado has deeper issues

There's no question Colorado missed Travis Hunter on Saturday. He's the best player on the Buffaloes roster and arguably the best non-quarterback in the conference. Even if Colorado had its star two-way standout, it wouldn't of made enough of a difference to upset USC. Colorado has deeper issues than the absence of Hunter, such as poor offensive line play and a secondary that has gotten carved up against better competition. Colorado transformed its roster by using the transfer portal to get skill position players, but the problem is it's hard to find quality offensive linemen in the portal. There is no quick fix that's going to help protect Sanders the rest of the season, and he can only do so much in the pocket if he's not being protected properly.

A positive on the Colorado front was former five-star cornerback Cormani McClain getting extensive action for the first time in his college career. McClain recorded a pass deflection in his only recorded stat on the day. Colorado will need Hunter back as soon as possible to help aid the secondary that USC exposed. The goal at this point should be bowl eligibility, and there are winnable games the rest of the way against Arizona State, Arizona and Stanford, but there's nothing the elder Sanders can do this season that's going to fix the issues on the offensive line. Colorado's offensive line has allowed 26 sacks this season, which is tied for the worst in the FBS.

Jury is still out on the USC defense

Coming into the season, USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was under heavy pressure to have his defense perform. The returns through the first month of the season haven't been great and it could hold USC back from being a serious national championship contender. The Trojans defense -- mostly in garbage time -- allowed 564 total yards. That would be OK if it was a one-off performance, but time-and-time again the USC defense has let less talented teams such as Arizona State, San Jose State and now Colorado stick around because of the defensive incompetency. The USC pass rush is one of the best units in the Pac-12, but what's holding back the Trojans from taking the next step is the secondary. Coming into the game, USC was tied for 69th in the FBS in passing yards allowed, and that number is certain to go up after allowing Sanders to throw for 404 yards.

What takes some of the pressure off the USC defense is having a generational talent such as Williams. There's going to be a time when USC plays a better offense than Colorado (specifically against Notre Dame on Oct. 14, Washington on Nov. 4 and Oregon on Nov. 11) and will need the defense to put together stops to win the game. The USC offense can score with anyone in the country, but the defensive remains a massive question mark heading into the meat of the Pac-12 schedule.

Williams balls out

The second-half flop overshadowed what should have been a historic moment for the reigning Heisman Trophy winner playing in a high-profile time slot. Williams threw for more than 400 yards and six touchdowns for the first time since 2021. Despite the late issues, Williams was easily the best player on the field. 

Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of Williams is his ability to spread the ball around the field. Williams completed passes to 10 different receivers and primarily thrived in the intermediate game. Through five games, Williams has arguably been more impressive than his Heisman Trophy season. The only question is whether USC can fight its way back into national contention. 

Colorado has legs again

One week ago, Colorado was blasted off the field against Oregon. At halftime, it seemed that might happen again. Instead, the Buffaloes showed real fight against a top-10 opponent and proved they will have at least some staying power in the Pac-12. It was always unlikely that Colorado would have a shot in these first two Pac-12 games, but showing some promise keeps the Coach Prime train on the track. 

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USC survives, again

Final: USC 48, USC 41

For the second consecutive week, USC was tested to the brink but ultimately found a way to get past Colorado. The Buffaloes cut the lead down to seven in the final minutes of the game, but USC was able to recover the onside kick and run out the clock. Williams finished the day with 403 yards passing and tied a career-high with six touchdown passes. Sanders finished with 371 yards and four touchdowns and added 76 yards and another touchdown on the ground. USC improves to 5-0 on the season and the schedule the rest of the way doesn't get easier with games against Notre Dame, Oregon and Washington on the horizon.

 
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It's down to seven

Late 4Q: USC 48, Colorado 41

Sanders connected with Horn for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the USC lead down to seven with 1:43 remaining. Colorado will need to recover an onside kick in order to have a chance because they have no timeouts remaining. Sanders now has four touchdown passes on the day.

 
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Colorado still has life

4Q: USC 48, Colorado 34

Colorado still has life after USC missed a short field goal that would've given them a three-score advantage. The Buffs have the ball deep in their own territory to start the drive. Time is running out for Colorado to mount a stunning comeback.

 
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Trojans flopping

The defense struggled to find momentum in the third quarter and now the offense is slowing down. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw his first interception of the season, and then was forced to punt after just four plays. The Trojans have completely lost all momentum. There are painful comparisons to the Cotton Bowl. 

 
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Colorado cuts it to 14

4Q: USC 48, Colorado 34

We got a ballgame in Boulder. Sanders connected with Miller for a 9-yard touchdown to cut the USC lead down to 14. The Buffaloes defense was able to capitalize on Williams' first interception of the season and there's still plenty of time for Colorado to mount a comeback.

 
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Colorado still in it

Late 3Q: USC 48, Colorado 27

Colorado just won't go away. Sanders connected with Michael Harrison for a 21-yard touchdown and on the ensuing drive, Williams threw his first interception of the season to Jaylen Ellis. The Buffaloes will have the ball in their own territory to start the drive.

 
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Caleb matches career high

3Q: USC 48, Colorado 21

USC quarterback Caleb Williams continues to roll against Coach Prime and Colorado. Williams completed a three-yard pass to tight end Jude Wolfe for his sixth touchdown pass, which matches his career high set in a 52-21 win over Texas Tech on Oct. 30, 2021, while playing at Oklahoma. 

 
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Colorado answers

3Q: USC 41, Colorado 21

Colorado is not done yet, folks. Sanders connected on a big play to Omarion Miller for a 65-yard completion which set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Anthony Hankerson four plays later. The Buffaloes allowed a touchdown to USC on the previous drive and the defense will need to get stops in order to attempt a comeback.

 
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Caleb keeps rolling

3Q: USC 41, Colorado 21

Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams found wide receiver Brenden Rice for his fifth passing touchdown of the game. Williams faced pressure and got hit from below, but stood tall enough to complete a pass for Rice's seventh receiving touchdown of the season. 

 
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Colorado can't produce on opening drive

Early 3Q: USC 34, Colorado 14

The offensive woes have carried over to the second half for Colorado. On the Buffaloes' opening drive of the second half, they went three-and-out. Sanders on the first play from scrimmage in the second half rushed for a 10-yard gain but the drive still ended in a punt. Can Colorado's defense step up and get a stop?

 
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Colorado ends first half on a positive note

Halftime: USC 34, Colorado 14

After 30 minutes of play in Boulder, the Colorado offense is struggling against USC's defense. The Buffaloes did end the first half on a positive note by putting together a 9-play, 83-yard drive that was capped with a 25-yard touchdown run by Sanders. He finished the first half 16 of 24 for 109 yards with a touchdown. 

Last week against Oregon, Colorado was held scoreless in the first half and only scored six total points. The offense we have seen from Colorado against Pac-12 opponents is drastically different than what we saw in the non-conference slate. Colorado averaged 41.3 points in the first three games of the season against TCU, Nebraska and Colorado State. They have scored 20 total points in 90 minutes against Pac-12 competition.

 
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Disaster for Colorado 

Mid 2Q: USC 27, Colorado 7

Colorado's defense did its job by forcing USC to go three-and-out, but the offense couldn't take advantage. After Colorado only mustered two yards of offense on three plays, the Buffaloes punt was blocked deep in its own territory. USC answered two plays later with a touchdown to extend its lead to 20.

 
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Colorado on the board

Early 2Q: USC 21, Colorado 7

The Buffaloes aren't done, yet. After USC scored to go up by 21, Colorado responded with a 7-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 30-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Jimmy Horn Jr. The Colorado offense has shown they can put up points this season and the USC defense has certainly showed signs of weaknesses. Could this be the spark Colorado needed to get back in this game?

 
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Rare mistake from Sanders

End 1Q: USC 14, Colorado 0

The offensive woes continue for Colorado. Sanders tossed only his second interception of the season on the Buffaloes' third offensive drive of the game to Arizona transfer Christian Roland-Wallace. USC starts the drive deep in Colorado territory and if the Trojans get points on this drive, it could get ugly fast.

 
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Can't miss chances

Late 1Q: USC 14, Colorado 0

USC went three-and-out one drive ago and Colorado converted it into a 16-play drive that lasted more than six minutes. Unfortunately, the Buffs' drive resulted in zero points, and you can't get away with that against the best offense in America. USC quarterback Caleb Williams bought enough time to cook a five-course meal in the pocket and found Tahj Washington on a pitch-and-run for an easy 71-yard touchdown. That's the margin of error when playing against a team like USC. 

 
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Colorado's offense shows signs of life

Late 1Q: USC 7, Colorado 0

Colorado's second offensive drive of the day started with Sanders gaining 16 yards on a quarterback rush deep in its own territory and it ended with a failed 41-yard field goal attempt by Jace Feely. Colorado's drive went 17 plays and 67 yards but it resulted in zero points. It's clear that Colorado is trying to control the clock and limit the amount of possessions Williams and the USC offense will have, but if they can't come away with points on those drives, it will be a long day for the Buffaloes.

 
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Rare mistakes

USC quarterback Caleb Williams doesn't miss often, but had a terrible second drive. Williams missed a wide open Dorian Singer for a touchdown and then overthrew an out route. On the third play, Williams fumbled while attempting a handoff, and Colorado has started to find some momentum on offense. The Trojans had a kill shot, and failed to take it. 

 
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Colorado punts on the opening drive

1Q: USC 7, Colorado 0

After Colorado's defense allowed a 6-play, 75-yard drive to open the game, the offense couldn't respond. Shedeur Sanders completed three passes for a total of 0 yards and the Buffaloes couldn't manage to move the ball against a USC defense that has shown signs of weakness through the first month of the season. Frankly, the Colorado defense isn't good enough to contain USC's potent offense and the way the Buffaloes are going to stay in this game is if it becomes a shootout. The opening drive certainly wasn't the start they hoped for.

 
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Trojans strike quickly

1Q: USC 7, Colorado 0

Colorado managed to get USC into a third-and-long situation on its first drive of the game, but Caleb Williams proved too much. Williams threw an 18-yard pass to former Buff Brenden Rice to convert third-and-9 to set up a 27-yard touchdown run from running back MarShawn Lloyd. 

Lloyd was caught in the backfield, but Colorado's defense failed to play through the whistle. Lloyd was able to reverse field and take it 27 yards untouched for a touchdown. USC can destroy Colorado on the edges, the Buffaloes have zero answer. USC has now scored on its first drive in all five games this season. 

 
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USC superstar freshman out 

USC freshman wide receiver Zachariah Branch is not dressed out for Saturday's game against Colorado. The reason isn't apparent, as Branch has been healthy for all of USC's games this year. He traveled with the team and came out for warmups without pads, sporting sweatpants and his jersey. The No. 1 wide receiver in the class of 2023, Branch has already found ways to stand out in a loaded wide receiver room. Thanks to his elite speed, he serves as the Trojans' primary returner on special teams. He's also fourth on the team with 13 catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He averages over 13 yards per reception. 

September 30, 2023, 3:40 PM
Sep. 30, 2023, 11:40 am EDT
 
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Another key player out for USC

The Trojans will be without starting safety Max Williams. The fifth-year senior is one of the most experienced players on the USC defense and has started 17 of 18 games alongside star safety Calen Bullock. In his career, Williams has 128 tackles, nine pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Williams recorded the third interception of his career against Stanford earlier this season in a blowout victory. With Colorado expected to air the ball out with Heisman hopeful Shedeur Sanders in the controls, this is certainly a loss for a USC defense that has shown some signs of weakness this season.

 
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Former five-star out for USC

USC DL Korey Foreman did not travel with the team to Boulder and won't play against Colorado on Saturday. The former No. 3 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting cycle by 247Sports has been buried on the USC depth chart behind other players such as Jamil Muhammad, Solomon Byrd and Romello Height. Foreman has only recorded one total tackle this season and that came against Nevada in Week 1. It's safe to say that his future at USC could be in jeopardy if he continues to receive minimal playing time.

 
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Battle of Heisman hopefuls

Two of the top quarterbacks in the nation battle in Boulder as reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams vies with projected first round pick Shedeur Sanders. The two quarterbacks have both been among the best in the nation so far. Sanders ranks No. 2 nationally in yards passing. Williams ranks No. 2 in passing touchdowns. Both players also rank top-15 in individual total offense. Neither defense is especially adept at getting stops, which should create major showcase opportunities. 

 
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Body clock issues

No. 8 USC has its first preview of a brutal television slate. With the game against Colorado being a noon kickoff on national television, The Athletic reports that the Trojans set their wakeup call for the game at 6:40 a.m. ET -- that's 3:40 a.m. in their natural Pacific Time time zone. USC stayed in Denver the night before the game and had to travel down the road, but these sorts of body clock kickoffs will only become more common in the coming years. 

 
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Caleb Williams looks to stay hot

While the USC defense has been focused on as the Achilles heel of this USC team, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner has done nothing so far this season but instill confidence that he can become the first back-to-back Heisman winner since Archie Manning. Williams has accounted for four or more total touchdowns in all four of the Trojans' games this season, and the streak is actually five straight games if you count his performance in the Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane. 

Couple other stats below to shed some light on how great Williams has been, even dating back to las season, including the 55-17 win over the Buffs in Los Angeles: 

  • Williams has thrown 15 TD passes without an interception this season. That's the most TD passes without a pick this season and one shy of Michael Penix's overall FBS lead in touchdown passes. 
  • In addition to the four-TD streak, Williams has been responsible for 3+ TD in 12 straight games as well as 15 of 18 in a USC uniform. 
  • Williams accounted for five touchdowns (3 pass, 2 rush) while leading USC to a 55-17 win last year against Colorado despite it being one of his least efficient outings -- he completed 14 of 26 passes, threw a pick, took three  sacks and had a career-low -4 rush yards). 
September 30, 2023, 2:28 PM
Sep. 30, 2023, 10:28 am EDT
 
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USC vs. Colorado pick

Yes, it's a lot of points, but we should get there. USC's offense is one of the most potent in the country, and Colorado has not shown an ability to stop anybody. The pass rush is non-existent, and if you give Caleb Williams and these USC receivers time, they're going to hit big plays against you. As for USC's defense, it has improved in a lot of areas, but is better described as average than good. The Trojans continue to be one of the worst tackling teams in the country, and that leads to big plays for opponents. Look for the buffaloes to generate a lot more success on offense this week than they did on the road against Oregon. Pick: Over 73.5 - Tom Fornelli

September 30, 2023, 1:45 PM
Sep. 30, 2023, 9:45 am EDT
 
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Where's Cormani? 

The headliner from Deion Sanders' first high school recruiting class at Colorado was Cormani McClain and the former five-star cornerback has only made two brief appearances through the first four weeks of the season. The No. 14 overall player from the 2023 recruiting class by 247Sports was originally committed to Miami before he flipped his commitment to Sanders and the Buffs'. Some projected heading into the season that McClain would line up opposite of Hunter in the secondary but that certainly hasn't been the case through the first month of the season. Sanders went into detail this week on what it will take for him to see the field in a more extensive role:

"Study, prepare," Sanders said. "Be on time for meetings, show up to the darn meetings. Understand what we're doing as a scheme. Want to play this game, desire to play this game, desire to be the best in this game in practice, in the film room and on your own free time."

 
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Good sportsmanship

Colorado star Travis Hunter won't play this weekend as he is still recovering from a devastating hit that Colorado State DB Henry Blackburn delivered in Week 3 but there is a good ending to the story. Hunter and Blackburn met up for a conversation after the game and the two players went bowling after for charity. Each put up $1,000 of their own money and the winner of the bowling match would donate the funds to a charity of his own choice. Hunter won the contest but let Blackburn choose the organization. Blackburn decided on Realities for Children, an organization that supports the lives of children who are abused, neglected, abandoned or are at-risk. The charity has offices near both schools.

 
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Shilo Sanders doubtful vs. USC

Colorado star defensive back Shilo Sanders is listed as doubtful to play on Saturday against the Trojans, according to ESPN. Sanders suffered an injury in the Week 4 blowout loss to Oregon. He was urinating blood and was taken to the hospital following the game for further evaluation. After missing practice during the week while recovering, Sanders will likely not see the field against the Trojans as the Buffaloes try to bounce back. 

You can read full details on Sanders' injury in the story below. 

Shilo Sanders injury: Deion Sanders' son questionable vs. USC after hospital visit following loss to Oregon
Shehan Jeyarajah
Shilo Sanders injury: Deion Sanders' son questionable vs. USC after hospital visit following loss to Oregon
 
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Can Colorado bounce back?

Colorado is coming off a blowout loss to Oregon on the road and the schedule doesn't get much easier when they face No. 8 USC this week. The first half in Eugene last weekend was a complete disaster for Deion Sanders' team. Colorado trailed 35-0 at the break and didn't manage to score until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The good (or bad) news for Colorado is USC is also coming off a lackluster performance on the road against Arizona State. The Trojans were on upset alert until late in the fourth quarter before Caleb Williams connected with Tahj Washington for a 45-yard touchdown to go up by 14. Colorado is a heavy underdog heading into Saturday and it will take a complete performance to secure the first Pac-12 victory of the Sandere era. If the Buffaloes pull the upset, good luck keeping fans off the field after the game.