No. 21 Southern California (6-2, 3-2 Pac-12) at Colorado (1-8, 0-5), Friday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Line: USC by 21 1/2
Series Record: USC leads 5-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Trojans are bracing for the cooler conditions when they travel to Boulder, Colo., which received eight inches of thick, wet snow on Wednesday. The last time the Trojans played in snow was a 40-12 loss at Notre Dame on Nov. 30, 1957. USC is attempting to regroup from a 56-48 triple overtime loss to Stanford last weekend. Matt Barkley & Co. will face a banged-up Buffaloes squad that’s still searching for its first Pac-12 Conference win. Colorado has been outscored in league play by a 224-74 margin.
KEY MATCHUP
USC WR Robert Woods vs. Colorado’s dinged-up defensive backs. Woods ranks among the nation’s best in catches (81), yards receiving (991) and touchdowns (9). The Buffaloes are going to have a tough time slowing him down, given their decimated secondary. Josh Moten and Greg Henderson should take turns on Woods and freshman Marqise Lee.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
USC: RB Curtis McNeal. The 5-foot-7 fireplug had a career night against Stanford before fumbling the ball away in the third overtime and sealing the Cardinal win. The talented junior finished with 145 yards against Stanford. That was on the heels of an 118-yard performance the week before at Notre Dame.
Colorado: FS Ray Polk. Once a tailback at Colorado, Polk caught the eye of the defensive coaches early in his career and hasn’t gone back. He has 60 tackles this season and one interception.
FACTS & FIGURES
In their five wins over CU, USC has outscored the Buffs 138-24. … The temperature at Folsom Field on Friday night is expected to be in the upper 30s. … USC coach Lane Kiffin was fined and reprimanded earlier this week by the conference for his critical comments about the officiating in the Stanford game. … This will be the fifth November night game at home in CU history. … DBs Parker Orms and Paul Vigo were two of five CU players suspended indefinitely from the team for failing to meet expectations earlier this season. Both rejoined the Buffs this week but won’t play against USC. … Despite constant pressure, Buffs QB Tyler Hansen has thrown only six interceptions in 282 attempts this season.
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