Colorado
5-6 , 2-6
USC
9-2 , 7-1
Buffs Fall To No. 15 USC
November 11, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Against the No. 15 team in the nation, the Colorado Buffaloes couldn't afford mistakes Saturday afternoon.
But as has been the case too often this year, the Buffs shot themselves in the foot at the most inopportune of moments, paving the way for a 38-24 Southern California win at Folsom Field.
Colorado trailed 20-0 at the half and 27-0 early in the third quarter, but managed to come back and make a game of it late. But, the Buffs could never completely dig out of the early hole they made for themselves.
Now 5-6 overall and 2-6 in Pac-12 play, the Buffs must win their Nov. 25 season finale at Utah to become bowl eligible.
USC improved to 9-2, 7-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED: After a scoreless first quarter in which the Buffs failed to take advantage of some early opportunities — and also had a 38-yard touchdown pass nullified by a penalty — the Trojans took charge.
USC went 60 yards to paydirt on eight plays on its first possession of the second quarter, capping the drive on a 10-yard Sam Darnold pass to Michael Pittman. After a Colorado three-and-out, the Trojans struck again, driving 69 yards in seven plays, with Darnold throwing 18 yards to Deontay Burnett for the score and a 14-0 lead.
Colorado finally put together a long drive on the ensuing possession, getting five completions from quarterback Steven Montez. But the march stalled at the USC 30-yard line and a 47-yard James Stefanou field goal try was blocked.
The Buffs then gave themselves one more chance late in the half, forcing a punt and taking possession at their own 10 with a minute remaining. But the opportunity turned into a disaster when USC's Ajene Harris picked off a Montez pass and went 34 yards to the end zone. USC missed the PAT, but still took a 20-0 lead into the locker room at intermission.
The Buffs opened the second half by driving deep into USC territory, only to have another field goal blocked. USC then took possession and extended its margin to 27-0 with a 78-yard scoring drive.
Colorado then finally got on the scoreboard — and it took just two plays. After a Phillip Lindsay run netted 3 yards, Montez hit a wide open Juwann Winfree down the middle of the field for a 79-yard touchdown pass, cutting USC's margin to 27-7.
Colorado struck again just three minutes later when Buffs freshman Nate Landman blocked a Reid Budrovich punt. Kyle Trego scooped up the block and returned it to the 1-yard line, and three plays later, Lindsay carried in for the score to pull CU to within 27-14.
The Trojans, though, quickly answered with a 57-yard drive that produced a Chase McGrath field goal and 30-14 lead.
Colorado closed the gap back to 13 early in the fourth quarter, driving 48 yards before settling for a 39-yard Stefanou field goal, making the score 30-17 with 12:42 to play.
The Trojans, though, quickly answered. USC took the ensuing kick and drove 72 yards to the end zone. Ronald Jones covered the last 22 and after a two-point conversion, the Trojans led 38-17 with 8:56 to go.
But the Buffs wouldn't go away quietly. On the ensuing possession, the Buffs went 75 yards for a touchdown in just four plays, with Montez connecting with Winfree again, this time for 57 yards. Stefanou's extra point pulled the Buffs back to within 14, 38-24.
Colorado managed one more drive deep into USC territory, but the drive stalled inside the Trojan 10 when CU couldn't convert a fourth down.
TURNING POINT: A USC interception return for a touchdown near the end of the first half put the Buffs in a hole they could never dig out of.
CU STANDOUTS: Lindsay finished with 68 yards on 20 carries in his final Folsom Field game. … Montez was 27-for-49 for 376 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. … Winfree finished with five catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns. … Evan Worthington was credited with nine tackles.
KEY STATISTIC: While the Buffs did block a punt, they did not force a defensive takeaway while the Trojans had a pair of interceptions.
WHAT IT MEANS: Colorado must now win its last regular season game, Nov. 25 in Utah, to become bowl eligible.
QUOTEWORTHY: "We had some critical mistakes and kind of gave them the game. We had some opportunities tonight and squandered it away." CU head coach Mike MacIntyre
— "We had tons of missed opportunities. … We are going to come in, work every day, try to get Utah schemed up." — Quarterback Steven Montez
— "I'm approaching it like it could possibly be my last college game. I'm going to wear myself out, there's nothing left to keep in the tank." — CU senior safety Afolabi Laguda
NEXT UP: The Buffs have a bye week next week, then play Nov. 25 at Utah with the time yet to be determined.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
Team Stats
USC 7, COLO 0
USC - Pittman, Michae 10 yd pass from Darnold, Sam (McGrath, Chase kick) 8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 2:43
USC 14, COLO 0
USC - Burnett, Deonta 18 yd pass from Darnold, Sam (McGrath, Chase kick) 7 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:17
USC 20, COLO 0
USC - Harris, Ajene 34 yd interception (McGrath, Chase kickfailed)
USC 27, COLO 0
USC - Darnold, Sam 24 yd run (McGrath, Chase kick), 6 plays, 78 yards, TOP 2:32
USC 27, COLO 7
COLO - Winfree, Juwann 79 yd pass from Montez, Steven (Stefanou, James kick) 2 plays, 82 yards, TOP 0:35
USC 27, COLO 14
COLO - Lindsay, Philli 1 yd run (Stefanou, James kick), 3 plays, 1 yards, TOP 0:53
USC 30, COLO 14
USC - McGrath, Chase 26 yd field goal 7 plays, 57 yards, TOP 3:09
USC 30, COLO 17
COLO - Stefanou, James 39 yd field goal 11 plays, 48 yards, TOP 4:22
USC 38, COLO 17
USC - Jones, Ronald 22 yd run (Krommenhoek, E pass), 8 plays, 72 yards, TOP 3:40
USC 38, COLO 24
COLO - Winfree, Juwann 57 yd pass from Montez, Steven (Stefanou, James kick) 4 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:21
