Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. Trojans
October 24, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — While the Colorado Buffaloes spent the week being reminded they have never beaten Southern California, they didn't spend their time worrying about the past.
Rather, Mel Tucker's Buffs (3-4 overall, 1-3 Pac-12) concentrated on the present — namely what it will take to end their current three-game skid when USC pays a Friday night visit to Folsom Field (7 p.m. MT, ESPN2).
While the Trojans (4-3, 3-1) have been beset by injuries all season, they are still one of the Pac-12's most talented teams, with depth across the board. They are also coming off a dominating 41-14 win over Arizona, a game in which the defense recorded seven sacks and three takeaways and the offense finished with 448 total yards (247 passing, 201 rushing).
So what must the Buffs do to get their first win over the Trojans and end the losing streak at 13?
1. Establish a running game and stick with it. If there's been an offensive bright spot for the Buffs over the last three weeks, it's been a steadily improving run game. CU has averaged a respectable 169 yards per game on the ground over the last three games while averaging nearly 4.5 yards per carry.
The Buffs need to continue — and improve — that trend against the Trojans. USC's defense has struggled against the run this year, giving up an average of 189.3 yards per game on the ground, 11th-worst in the Pac-12. If the Buffs can hammer away early at the heart of the Trojans' defense, it will give Colorado a chance to control the tempo and also open up some opportunities for the passing game.
2. Get the passing game back on track. After five games with an effective and efficient aerial attack, the Buffs passing game has floundered over the last couple of weeks. CU has managed just 272 yards and no touchdowns in the air over the last two games combined, along with seven interceptions.
That needs to change against USC, but it won't be easy. The Trojans have an excellent pass rush — witness their seven sacks against Arizona — and they do it without having to bring extra help and compromise their pass coverage.
That's where the run game comes in. If the Buffs can establish a rushing attack early and put themselves in some second- and third-and-short situations, it will prevent the Trojans from pinning their ears back and swarming the pocket.
That, in turn, will give CU quarterback Steven Montez a chance for some early success in the passing game, which would build confidence, generate some offensive momentum and fire up the home crowd.
3. Keep USC's playmakers in check. This, of course, is easier said than done because the Trojans have playmakers everywhere.
Example: Last week against Arizona, USC had to turn to freshman tailback Kenon Christon after the first three tailbacks on the depth chart were injured. All Christon did was respond with touchdown runs of 55 and 30 yards.
But the Trojans also have potential game-breakers at wide receiver in Michael Pittman (43 catches, 599 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Tyler Vaughns (42-534, 4 TDs), and a capable quarterback in freshman Kedon Slovis.
Still, no matter who it is, the Buffs can't let the Trojans strike with big plays. CU should have an altitude edge and they need to make USC work for every yard. If they do, they can take advantage of a tiring Trojans team down the stretch.
4. Restart the takeaway machine. Over the first five games, the Buffs helped themselves immensely with 12 defensive takeaways and just four turnovers.
But over the last two games, the Buffs have recorded just one defensive takeaway while giving it away seven times.
Slovis has thrown just four interceptions and none in his last three games. But he did have three in a loss to BYU. He can be pressured into mistakes. If the Buffs can flip the field with a pick or two — especially early — it will be the perfect momentum boost that will ignite the Folsom Friday night crowd.
5. Win the red zone. The Buffs have had their chances inside the opponent's 20-yard line the last couple of weeks, but haven't taken advantage.
The result has been missed opportunities to stay in games. CU has been in the red zone seven times in the last two games but produced just one touchdown and two field goals in those trips. That's a trend Colorado can't continue.
CU has shown the ability to pick up tough yards this year. While USC's front seven no doubt poses a formidable threat, CU needs to be able to hammer out those last few yards and cross the goal line.
In other words, the Buffs can't just knock on the door of the end zone Friday night. They need to break it down.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu