Burning Questions: Colorado


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How will USC’s secondary hold up?

With junior safety T.J. McDonald suspended by the Pac-12 for the first half of the game, the Trojans will likely start two reserves at the safety positions. Sophomore cornerback Nickell Robey has emerged as one of the best cover corners in the country, but the lineup change might present some chemistry issues for the defense, which has gelled as of late. Colorado’s senior quarterback Tyler Hansen has completed 56.7 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

Will Barkley carve up the Colorado secondary?

Colorado’s secondary, which allows 249 yards per game through the air, ranks 92nd nationally in pass defense. In five conference games, the Buffaloes have surrendered 22 touchdowns—the third highest total in the nation—while forcing only three interceptions. Junior quarterback Matt Barkley is off to an impressive start for USC and will look to continue his success. He has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2290 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Can Curtis McNeal continue to run the ball well?

In the first half against Stanford, McNeal carried the ball five times for only four yards. Despite the slow start, the junior ran USC to a lead and provided a huge spark on the offensive side of the ball. Most will remember the running back for his fumble that ended the game, but his performance should not be discounted. McNeal finished with a career-high 145 yards on 20 carried and two touchdowns. With senior tailback Marc Tyler unlikely to play due to a shoulder injury, McNeal will receive the bulk of the carries against the Buffaloes, who rank 85th nationally in run defense allowing 185.7 yards per game.

Is USC’s defensive line in a prime position for a huge game?

Surprisingly, USC’s defensive line held its own against a dominant Stanford offensive line and pressured quarterback Andrew Luck last Saturday. In contrast to last week, USC faces an offensive line that has struggled to effectively protect its quarterback. Colorado has allowed 28 sacks, which ranks 107th nationally. Furthermore, the Buffaloes have failed to run the ball with any consistency. Colorado has managed only 90 yards per game, which ranks 114th nationally. Meanwhile, USC ranks 13th nationally in yards allowed (103 per game) and will look to make Colorado one dimensional.