LOS ANGELES — The state of California may be fabulous for vacations, but not so much for Colorado football teams.
Entering Saturday’s Pac-12 matchup (4 p.m. MDT, Pac-12 Network) at No. 22 Southern California, the Buffaloes stand 2-17-1 all-time in the Golden State.
That’s right, two victories in 20 tries. The only CU victories in this state have been a 1996 Holiday Bowl victory over Washington in San Diego and a 2002 win against UCLA, which plays its home games in the Rose Bowl stadium.
That obviously must change if Colorado (2-4, 0-3 Pac-12) is to become relevant in Pac-12 football. Since the Buffs began playing a Pac-12 schedule in 2011, Colorado could count a minimum of one trip each season to the state of California because, as a member of the South Division, the Buffs will play on the road against either Southern California or UCLA. And in some years, CU also will travel to either of two North Division members, Stanford or California.
Much has been made in the media of Colorado having never defeated Southern California in football. The Buffs’ 0-8 all-time record against USC apparently has not been a topic of conversation in CU practices.
“That’s no (additional) motivation,” Colorado sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau said. “Our motivation is to win every week.”
The weather couldn’t be much nicer for USC’s homecoming game. Fans at historic Los Angeles Memorial Stadium will be treated to temperatures in the mid-70s at kickoff, under sunny skies.
Colorado comes off an open date. The Buffs are 25-19 following an open date since 1948. But since joining the Pac-12, CU stands 0-2 in conference games following a weekend off.
