PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Aca’Cedric Ware saw limited touches in USC’s Sept. 21 win over Washington State, but returned to the lineup healthy at Arizona to erupt for a career-high, 173 yards, with two touchdowns. USC has a viable three-man rotation with Ware in the lineup.
–TE Josh Falo showed up as a big-play passing target against Arizona, a role the sophomore manned on a few occasions in 2017. The lengthy Falo demonstrates surprising speed, presenting possibilities for mismatches against linebackers in pass coverage.
–LB John Houston Jr. provides versatility that should benefit the USC defense greatly in a matchup with the multifaceted Colorado offense. Houston made a season-high seven tackles against the pass-happy Washington State attack, helping to keep mid-routes from turning into the type of long-yardage plays that have been Colorado’s hallmark.
–S Marvell Tell III has been a standout for the USC defense all season, and his presence may never be more important than on Saturday. Tell effectively covers much of the field to provide support to the cornerbacks, which the Trojans will need against a multi-dimensional Colorado wide receivers corps. Tell will also be an important run-stopping presence against the multi-man look of quarterback Steven Montez, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., and running backs Travon McMillian, Kyle Evans, and Beau Bisharat.
SERIES HISTORY: USC leads Colorado 12-0. The Trojans’ average margin of victory through the first four games of the Buffs joining the Pac-12 Conference in 2011 was 28.8 points per, but the 2015 and 2016 games both came down to the final possession. USC won last season at Colorado, 38-24.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’ve watched them in spring and summer, and training camp, and being able to see them in these first five games, I believe they can do great things. There’s some things we’ve got to clean up. We’ve got to clean up those penalties and those turnovers immediately. … It’s a learning deal.” — USC coach Clay Helton.
