© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

USC vs. Colorado: College Football Preview

Get ready for an explosive clash in the Pac-12 as the #8-ranked USC Trojans (4-0; 2-2-0 ATS) gear up to face the Colorado Buffaloes (3-1; 2-2-0 ATS) in Boulder. The kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, and it promises to be a game full of action and excitement.

USC Trojans' Offensive Prowess

The USC Trojans have been a scoring machine, with their lowest output this season being 42 points in a game against Arizona State, a testament to the offensive prowess of a Lincoln Riley-coached team. They lead the nation in scoring, averaging 55.0 points per game, and gain an impressive 569.3 total yards per game (ranking 3rd nationally).

Quarterback Caleb Williams, last year's Heisman winner and a strong contender this season, has been exceptional, throwing for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. Their aerial attack is potent, averaging 377.3 yards per game. Additionally, their rushing game, led by MarShawn Lloyd with 349 yards, contributes 192.0 yards per contest. In the high-scoring Pac-12, this offense stands out and has led to a 2-0 start in conference play.

Defensive Concerns

While USC's offense shines, their defense has shown vulnerabilities. They allowed 28 points to San Jose State and Arizona State, both teams with less-than-stellar records. Allowing an average of 364.5 yards and 20.0 points per game against these opponents is a concerning sign. USC's 16 sacks provide some hope, but their defense faces a litmus test against elite Pac-12 offenses in the future.

Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado, on the other hand, is coming off a humbling defeat against Oregon, where they managed only six points in garbage time. Their rushing game averages a mere 55.8 yards per game, the second-lowest in the nation. The onus will be on QB Shedeur Sanders to maintain his impressive 350+ yards per game passing with a completion rate of 76.9%.

However, Colorado faces challenges as they are missing key players like Travis Hunter and Xavier Weaver, affecting their receiving options. Their pass protection has also been problematic, allowing 23 sacks, the second-most in the nation.

Defensive Struggles for Colorado

Colorado's defense is a significant concern, especially with injuries to key players like Travis Hunter and two questionable safeties, Myles Slusher and Shilo Sanders. Going up against USC's high-scoring offense, which leads the nation in scoring, is a tough task. The Buffaloes currently allow 33.3 points and 475.8 yards per game, both Pac-12 worsts. While they have seven interceptions, their secondary is thin, and they give up 206.5 rushing yards per game.

This week's game could be a long and challenging one for Colorado's defense.