Trojans try to get back to .500 vs. Buffs
The Colorado Buffaloes have made tremendous strides in 2016. Still, are they ready to upend one of the nation’s blue-blood programs?
Mike MacIntyre’s gang visits USC today, with a 4 p.m. ET kickoff at the Coliseum. Online sports BetDSI opened the host squad as a 6.5-point favorite over its foe from Boulder. The over/under is 62.5.
As the Pac-12 landscape continues to evolve, Colorado’s (4-1) getting comfortable near the top of the South Division. Despite watching No. 1 quarterback Sefo Liufau suffer an ankle injury three weeks ago, MacIntyre’s received outstanding production from Steven Montez in the interim. The redshirt freshman has thrown for 626 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions in two starts. Devin Ross and Shay Fields also boast a combined 47 catches and 10 scores.
After a brutal first month, the Trojans (2-3) commenced October on a thoroughly positive note. Clay Helton’s crew walloped Arizona State 41-20, holding the Sun Devils’ much-ballyhooed rushing attack to 75 yards on 30 totes. Yet the head coach would clearly love to see additional oomph out of the offense. Personnel losses notwithstanding, USC should be averaging more than 25.8 points per contest.
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We do appreciate the Trojans’ renewed emphasis on the ground game, though, and Justin Davis looks primed for his third straight banner performance. Of course, the Buffs counter with 10 returning starters on defense. Either way, expect a matinee gem in the Golden State.
SATURDAY NCAA FREE PICK: USC -5.5