Can The Trojan Defense Reverse Course?

No. 8 USC vs. Colorado: Two rebuilt teams collide Saturday morning

Thuc Nhi Nguyen (LA Times)  —  Lincoln Riley knows the game plan. Big-name coach takes over a struggling program, brings a slew of talented transfers, wins big early behind a dynamic quarterback. National attention pours in.

But even Riley didn’t do it like this.

Deion Sanders has taken the same blueprint from Riley’s first year at USC and blown it to unseen proportions at Colorado, turning the Buffaloes into college football’s new “it” team. Rappers, NBA stars and A-list actors pack the sideline at Folsom Field to catch a glimpse of Coach Prime. Colorado’s four games are all among the nation’s top seven most-watched games this season, led by 10.03 million viewers who tuned in to ABC to watch Colorado get blown out by Oregon last weekend. Saturday will be Colorado’s third home game and the third time Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” will broadcast from Folsom Field.

Here are four things to watch for USC’s game against Colorado (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12) at 9 a.m. PDT (Fox):

Heisman winner vs. Heisman hopeful

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders stiff arms Colorado State defensive back Jack Howell

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders straight arms CSU DB Jack Howell on Sept. 16 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado.  (C. Morgan Engel / LAT)

One is the current king of college football. The other is a challenger to the throne. USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders are playing critical roles in turning their programs around with their coaches.

“You’ve got two coaches that came in with guys that they’ve obviously trusted and had experience with,” Riley said. “I don’t think you can put a price tag on that from the team aspect and building the culture in the beginning.”

Shedeur, the younger of the Sanders brothers playing for Colorado, followed his father from Jackson State to Boulder. He promptly became a viral sensation for name-dropping Tom Brady in a postgame SportsCenter interview and flashing his custom luxury watch in the face of a Nebraska opponent, which has become his signature celebration.

Shedeur ranks second in the country with 352.5 passing yards per game, completing 76.9% percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns to one interception during his first year at the FBS level. The former three-star high school prospect led Jackson State to a 23-3 record in two years as a starting quarterback.

Aerial attack

Colorado receiver Xavier Weaver evades a tackle after a catch

Colorado WR Xavier Weaver evades a tackle after a catch during win over Colorado State on Sept. 16. (C. Morgan Engel/ LAT)

USC’s remade defensive front has lived up to the hype with four sacks and a nation-leading 10.2 tackles for loss per game. Against Colorado’s pass-heavy offense, the secondary will get a chance to make a statement.

Colorado is the least efficient running team in the country, averaging 1.91 yards per carry, necessitating Shedeur Sanders’ 169 pass attempts that lead all Pac-12 quarterbacks.

Xavier Weaver leads the Buffaloes with 34 catches, 461 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He had nine catches in the loss to Oregon, when Colorado was missing two-way star Travis Hunter, who is still expected to miss this week’s game with a lacerated liver suffered Sept. 16 against Colorado State.

The Buffaloes lack strength in the trenches. Oregon flexed its muscle on the lines by holding Colorado to 40 rushing yards and sacking Sanders seven times while rushing for 240 yards. USC could be in position to put up similar defensive numbers after tallying eight sacks against Arizona State last week. The Trojans lead the nation with 10.2 tackles for loss per game and rank third with four sacks per game.

Rice reunion

USC receiver Brenden Rice hauls in a 75-yard touchdown pass in front of Stanford cornerback Jaden Slocum

Brenden Rice hauls in a 75-yd TD pass in front of Stanford CB Jaden Slocum at the Coliseum on Sept. 9. (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Boulder was Brenden Rice’s “first love.” He hasn’t forgotten it.

“Just seeing how Coach Sanders has transformed Colorado, it makes me happy,” the Colorado transfer said. “But at the same time, that nostalgia, it’s a rival to me now and I can’t wait to go tear up Folsom.”

While his ex-school is rebounding with a new coaching staff, Rice is thriving at USC. Rice, who transferred during former CU coach Karl Dorrell’s tenure, is coming off a career-high seven catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns at Arizona State. The senior has caught a touchdown during five consecutive games stretching back to the Cotton Bowl against Tulane.

When the Trojans plucked him from the transfer portal, Rice was “pretty raw,” Riley said. Only late last year did the coaching staff start to see the receiver build the consistency he’s showing now in his route-running, breeding trust among teammates and coaches.

“He’s a great practice player,” Riley said. “He practices really, really hard all the time and because of that, he just gets better and better. I think he’s confident, I think he’s playing really consistent, fast and he’s been very reliable in terms of being where he’s supposed to be all the time, and with that, our confidence has grown.”

Rise and shine

USC running back MarShawn Lloyd embraces quarterback Caleb Williams after scoring a touchdown against Stanford

MarShawn Lloyd (0) celebrates with Caleb Williams (13) after scoring a TD against Stanford on Sept. 9. (Ashley Landis / AP)

Saturday will start with USC’s earliest kickoff since 2020, a unique time that required approval from both teams. The short turnaround between a late kickoff in Tempe last Saturday and this week’s early game in Boulder was the only thing that gave Riley pause when considering whether to accept Fox’s “Big Noon” TV slot, which is earlier than the Pac-12’s typical TV window that starts at noon Pacific. Riley wanted to ensure players had enough time to recover between the two road games.

But the Trojans were also coming off a bye before last week’s game at Arizona State, and after sketching out a mock game week schedule that included earlier team meetings during the week and an early return to L.A. after the game, Riley felt, “we didn’t really have anything to complain about with it.”

Players such as defensive back Ceyair Wright set their alarms for early-morning wake-up calls all week in anticipation of the 9 a.m. start. While unusual, an early kick could be the preferred time for the Trojans instead of waiting all day in the hotel for a night game.

“It will be fun,” Riley said, “just to wake up, eat, do a quick meeting and go play.”

latimes.com

_______________

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Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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September 29, 2023 9:23 pm

When people ask why did the Pac12 fail? Tonight is a perfect example. Make one of the top teams in the conference travel on a short week hoping for an upset. Every team ending up 6-6 is not good for a confence. RIP Pac12. Go Trojans beat the Buffs!

TrojanMPA90
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September 29, 2023 8:04 pm

Utah has a really good defense but they miss Cam Rising for sure. Glad we get them at the Coliseum this year. Hoping to whip them for the two games last season.

TrojanRon
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TrojanRon
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September 30, 2023 5:40 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen, I agree with your thoughts on USC handling the Utes in the Coliseum this year even if Rising plays. After seeing their performance last night vs ORE STATE, I believe USC will handle Utah and get rid of the bitter taste from losing to them twice last year.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 7:18 pm

OR St doesn’t have a lot of big time talent, but they sure can play defense. Why can’t USC? It really appears coach Jonathan Smith is a very good judge of talent and then he can coach them up. So far they are handling Utah quite well.

Chris
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Chris
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September 29, 2023 8:27 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Utah has a bad offense. Really bad without Cam. WSU lit up the Beavs last week.

Chris
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Chris
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September 29, 2023 8:28 pm
Reply to  Chris

But, you’re correct on doing more with less. We do less with more.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 30, 2023 6:53 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

except I had to skip over the helton and scott wolf quotes–i read it in “less than full” for my sanity….

Chris
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Chris
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September 29, 2023 4:10 pm

It’s going to be a crazy day for the offense. Colorado will not slow us down at all. They will also force the issue, so we get 3 turnovers.

USC 59 the buffs 24

Chris
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Chris
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September 29, 2023 6:29 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It needs to be Cobb, but he hasn’t played well. Our front has been the best unit. Bear, Jamil, and Byrd have been really good. Maybe they can start to dominate games and be that group of guys on D. I sure wish Grinch would just let those guys play without all the exotic shifts and blitzes.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 7:22 pm
Reply to  Chris

AMEN!!

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 7:22 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

They give Height the PT it sure seems he could be. Lee could be but not this game, he is to slow for their passing game.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 7:24 pm
Reply to  Chris

Wow Chris, you really think they will score 24? I guess based on what we have seen of the USC defense it go that way, but I have a feeling it is going to be less.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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September 29, 2023 11:49 am

I like our chances against Colorado tomorrow, assuming last week was a “rusty bucket” game. I am holding on to the notion that Riley won’t let up against Coach Prime. If the defense isn’t ready, I am projecting an early exit for Alex Grinch, with hopeful chances at a high school next year. Grinch is probably a likable guy, but he hasn’t proven himself to be a winner and nobody will want to hire him if he doesn’t turn it around.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 1:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Riley could have a sit down with Grinch, if he hasn’t already, and reign him in on his schemes. I do think they have a very good defensive analyst and help steer Grinch along. If he still pulls wild schemes taking players out of position against Colorado, perhaps a come to Jesus meeting is in order.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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September 29, 2023 12:54 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

I too am going with your great description of “rusty bucket” game. One wrinkle, will Colorado take the ASU plan and throw all the trick plays they have at SC?

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 29, 2023 11:45 am

Grinch narrative dominates the article on the SC/CO game, not the match up of Caleb and Shedeur. Sure hope the SC D plays a game like the Stanford game, but I doubt it. I think a very high scoring game is in the offing. I hope SC wins it.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 29, 2023 1:41 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

So RJJ, did you take the overs?

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 29, 2023 2:51 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Yup!

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 29, 2023 5:27 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

with our defense, i predict SC 63, CU 61. game will take 5 hours to play.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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September 29, 2023 7:36 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

USC 42 Colo 7

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 30, 2023 6:59 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

I am being only half serious….