USC beats Colorado but it was ugly

USC was able to move to .500 on the season with a 21-17 victory over Colorado today but boy was it ugly.

The Trojans turned it over four times (three fumbles and an interception) and did everything they could to give the game away but held on for the victory over the #21 ranked Buffs.

USC drove on their opening drive but quarterback Sam Darnold fumbled the ball on the one-yard line and Colorado recovered.

USC got on the scoreboard first when Darnold found tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe wide open on a streak route for 32 yards and the touchdown and USC led 7-0 with 3:31 left in the first quarter. The Trojans had 141 total yards in the first quarter while the Buffs had 70.

After some great defense in the second quarter, Darnold found another tight end for a touchdown as he threw to a wide open Tyler Petite for 11 yards and the touchdown late in the second quarter. USC took a 14-0 lead into half.

The third quarter was a disaster for the Trojans as they turned the ball over three times and Colorado was able to capitalize on a double pass for 67 yards with a little over 11 minutes left in the quarter to cut the Trojans lead.

Adoree’ Jackson made an unreal interception as Buffs QB Steven Montez attempted to throw the ball out of play but Jackson leaped up and came down with the ball and one foot in bounds for the interception with 7:09 left in the quarter.

On their first drive of the fourth quarter, Colorado had an 8-play, 84 yard drive that ended with a touchdown to tie the game up at 14.

USC would respond however as they went 70 yards on their next drive and Darnold found Petite for the second time in the end zone, this time it was seven yards and USC took a 21-14 lead with 8:28 left in the game.

I guess the Trojans do have tight ends.

Colorado’s last drive was interesting because they opted for the 42-yard field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 9 with 4:49 left in the game.

USC was able to run out the clock thanks to a 25-yard reception from Darnold to Smith-Schuster on 3rd and 7 to put the game away.

It was ugly but USC moves to 3-3 (2-2) on the season.