PAUL FRITZ – BOULDER, CO
Coming back to Folsom Field after three consecutive losses and an overall challenging 2019 campaign, the Buffs looked to bounce back in an opportunity to get their first victory in program history against the USC Trojans. After an improved offensive showing by the Buffs which saw them lead for most of the game, Colorado was unable to hold off the Trojans in the 4th quarter, losing by a final score of 35-31.
USC’s defense came into tonight hobbled with minor injuries to three of their lockdown defenders in Isaac Taylor-Stuart, Olaijah Griffin, and Greg Johnson. With a combined 13 total points in their last two games, QB Steven Montez had the right matchup to put his offense back on track.
It would be the true freshman QB for USC, Kedon Slovis, to get his offense going on the first drive of the game with a 27-yard pass to senior receiver Michael Pittman Jr. USC would close the drive on a 37-yard run by Amon-Ra St. Brown to make it 7-0 in the first minute of the game.
Colorado responded with impressive back to back drives, both capped off by 7-yard completions to KD Nixon, giving them a 17-7 lead.
Going into the second half ahead 17-14, the Buffs were in good position to control the 19-year- old Slovis and the Trojans who have yet to win on the road this season. On the first drive of the half, Montez connected with Laviska Shenault Jr who ran it 71-yards into the endzone, increasing their lead to 10. USC wasted no time and answered with a quick two minute drive of their own, capped off by a 21 yard pass to Tyler Vaughns who fought well to stay in-bounds.
On Laviska’s season ahead, Head Coach Mel Tucker said, “I’ve got to give him credit. He’s fought through some injuries and he’s done a really good job trying to get back…He’s an incredible player, he makes plays and we wanted to get him the ball the best we could.”
Montez and Shenault Jr drove the Buffs down the field yet again and it seemed that USC’s diminished defense could not stop their weapons. With 9 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, Montez rushed 17 yards for a touchdown to make it 31-21. Trojan kicker, Chase McGrath, would miss his 40-yard field goal try on their following drive.
To start the 4th quarter, Slovis connected with Pittman Jr for a touchdown on his longest pass of the night at 44 yards, cutting their deficit to three.
With just over 6 minutes remaining, and the lead, Colorado had a 4th and 4 situation on the Trojan’s 38-yard line but Mel Tucker elected to take a delay of game to back it up 5 yards and punt away. The Trojans would take advantage on the following drive, pounding their way downfield for 89 yards and taking a good chunk of 4 minutes off the game-clock. Pittman finished with 2 touchdowns and 156 yards.
On his team’s performance, Tucker said, “Listen, I don’t like to make any excuses for anything. We have to make more plays than we made. We had our opportunities and we weren’t able to get it done.”
Colorado started their final drive with 2 minutes but after one first down, they were unable to convert a 4th and 4 try as Alex Fontenot was held up just before the mark.
The 3-5 Colorado Buffs (1-4 Pac-12) will head down to the Rose Bowl next Saturday where they will take on the UCLA Bruins. The USC Trojans will head back home to host the 11th ranked Oregon Ducks, who have all but sealed the Pac-12 North Title.
Other Takeaways:
Montez suffered a rough hit near the sideline that temporarily removed him from the game but was able to return for the 4th quarter, passing the concussion test.
Placekicker James Stefanou kicked for a perfect night, nailing his lone 22-yard field goal and all 4 extra point attempts. Stefanou had gone 2-5 on field goals in the last two games.
USC improve their overall record against Colorado to 14-0.
(Photo Credit: Joel Broida, University of Colorado)
