No. 8 USC’s game at home against 1-8 Colorado on Friday night will be its easiest game the rest of the season as the Trojans attempt to punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Needing to win out, they can’t afford to overlook even the worst team in the Pac-12. Still, the Trojans know their toughest games are ahead of them with ranked UCLA and Notre Dame as the final games on their schedule before a potential conference title game.
That said, Colorado shouldn’t be viewed as a trap game. There isn’t much doubt that USC will come out on top. The only question is whether it’ll cover a massive 33.5-point spread.
Offensively, the Trojans shouldn’t have an issue moving the ball. Particularly Travis Dye, who I expect to have a big game and open things up for Caleb Williams down the field. Colorado has allowed at least 40 points in all but two games this season, including three straight. USC’s offense is seventh in the nation at 41.0 points per game.
However, Colorado’s last game against No. 8 Oregon was only the second time all season the Buffaloes lost by at least 34 points. USC might be the next-best offense they will have faced, but the Trojans defense is a little less effective.
For that reason, I’ll give Colorado one extra score than the 10 points it managed against the Ducks. And because I think USC can build a big enough lead to bench its starters in the fourth, I’ll pick the Buffaloes to cover in a game that barely falls under 66.5 points.
Prince’s Prediction: USC wins 49-17
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