Pac-12 road teams have struggled in recent years when on the road for Friday night games in conference play and we might be on the verge of adding another victim to the list this week if Colorado can keep things up against South Division rival USC.
The Buffs were giving the visitors everything they could handle to lead 17-14 at halftime on a chilly Boulder night and looking for more after the break in a game that both sides badly need to have as they move deeper into the second half of the season.
Things started out well for the Trojans as they marched right down the field on their opening drive, using wide receiver Amon Ra-St. Brown at tailback due to injuries and allowing the youngster to sprint 37 yards up the gut for a touchdown. He finished the first half with 50 yards on the ground and combined with speedy freshman Kenan Christon (19 yards rushing, 1 TD reception) in the backfield. Quarterback Kedon Slovis had a few flirtations with disaster but posted 120 yards, one score and one interception.
Opposite number Steven Montez looked a lot better throwing the football around, bouncing back from a few rough outings in recent weeks to throw for 147 yards and two touchdowns by the midway mark. Colorado’s star player Laviska Shenault seemed to be fully healthy and fully incorporated in that passing attack, notching six receptions for a nice 69 yards against a banged up secondary.
Penalties were a big issue however and something head coach Mel Tucker will no doubt, uh, discuss with his team in the locker room after the Buffs racked up six flags -- including a few drive-killers that zapped some late momentum. CU still held the lead and get the ball back for the second half though as they are hoping to keep things rolling for home teams in some Friday night #Pac12AfterDark action.