“They’ve got some dudes.”
That’s how Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre has described the 22nd-ranked Southern California football team. MacIntyre said he means that in the most complimentary way.
Saturday afternoon at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum, Colorado (2-4, 0-3 Pac-12) will face an improving Trojans squad that is still down in roster numbers after three years of NCAA sanctions but with perhaps as much talent, per player, as programs ranked much higher.
Certainly those “dudes” that MacIntyre referenced could suit up for just about anyone. The blue-chip list includes defensive end Leonard Williams, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, safety Su’a Cravens, linebacker Hayes Pullard, running back Javorius “Buck” Allen, quarterback Cody Kessler and center Max Tuerk.
First-year Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian, who left Washington after five seasons, did not inherent a team devoid of talent. He previously had been the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at USC under Pete Carroll and has the Trojans trending upward.
Recovering from a numbing loss at Boston College in the third week, Southern California (4-2, 3-1) sits atop the Pac-12’s South Division standings.
“They’re very athletic, a very good football team,” MacIntyre said. “I’m really impressed with what they’re doing.”
What may concern MacIntyre more than anything is tackling by his young defense. One missed tackle against Allen, Agholor, freshman wideout JuJu Smith and countless others can cost a touchdown.
Allen also is a threat as a receiver, with his 23 catches ranking second on the team behind Agholor’s 42. Allen is the nation’s only player with at least 750 yards rushing (781 to lead the Pac-12) and 250 yards receiving (278).
“(Allen) is a great runner,” said CU sophomore linebacker Kenneth Olugbode. “He has powerful legs, and he keeps them churning every time he runs with the ball. And he can make some moves in space. It comes down to having to tackle and us going out there and making plays.”
MacIntyre said tackling technique is particularly crucial against Allen and other power runners.
“If you hit their guys up high, they run over you,” Mac- Intyre said. “You have to hit them lower, which we’ve been practicing. And you have to wrap them up. You cannot try to ‘shoulder’ them. You’ll just bounce off. I’ve seen us improve in tackling the right way, I really have.”
A disciple of the power of positive thinking, MacIntyre would never describe Colorado’s remaining schedule as a “gantlet.” But each of the six upcoming opponents — USC, UCLA, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and Utah — likely will play in a bowl game. Several could contend for a berth in the Pac-12 championship game, and perhaps for a spot in the inaugural four-team College Football Playoff.
That six-game stretch to the finish is a tall order. But the Buffs say they’re ready for it.
“We’re just moving up in terms of work ethic and competing,” said sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau. “Guys are more mature. They’re more confident in themselves and where we’re going. We have more confidence against the teams we play.”
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
When the buffs run
Colorado’s offense clicks when the running game gets going. The Buffs scored one second-half touchdown in their 36-31 loss to Oregon State and needed a breakaway run to loosen up the Beavers’ defense. But CU managed no ground gain longer than 14 yards. USC’s rush defense yielded an astounding 452 yards in a loss at Boston College but has not allowed more than 77 in the past three games.
Edge: Southern California
When the trojans run
Not the best timing for Colorado here. USC junior tailback Javorius “Buck” Allen comes off a career-best 205 yards and scored three TDs in a 28-26 win over then-No. 10 Arizona. Allen, 6-foot-1, 220 pounds and physical, has five 100-yard rushing games in 2014. CU linebackers must come up huge in this game.
Edge: Southern California
When the Buffs pass
Sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau is on a pace to shatter school passing records and has thrown at least one touchdown pass in all 14 games he’s played — the fifth-longest active streak in the country. And figure on a bounce-back game from big-play wide receiver Nelson Spruce, who is from metro Los Angeles. But beware that USC already has made seven interceptions, tops in the Pac-12. Edge: Colorado
When the Trojans pass
A junior and second-year starter, Cody Kessler passes for a high completion percentage (.691) and doesn’t beat himself (one interception in 207 attempts this season). What more can anybody want from a quarterback? As what has become a weekly exercise, CU’s secondary will have its hands full against yet another talented Pac-12 quarterback.
Edge: Southern California
Special teams
This is not a strength of USC. For example, the Trojans rank last among Pac-12 teams in kickoff-return average (19.0 yards) and are only 10th in punting. But any advantage for Colorado’s special teams won’t mean much if the Buffs can’t keep the game close.
Edge: Colorado
