Explaining why Colorado-USC game will not go like Oregon blowout

Colorado–USC on Saturday may be a blowout, but it won’t feel the same as the Buffaloes’ 42-6 loss to Oregon. On Thursday, We Are SC’s Eric McKinney explained what to expect in the Saturday morning matchup.

“USC has a better understanding,” McKinney told On3’s Andy Staples. “Oregon got Colorado at its height. They got Colorado as a home game. They knew that they could make a huge statement. USC knows that this is not going to be a huge statement because there’s nothing they can do to one-up what Oregon did.”

Oregon’s win over Colorado in Week 4 was nothing short of utter dominance. The Ducks exploded for 522 yards in the victory, more than doubling Colorado’s meek offensive production. Oregon’s line was as impressive as the skill players, picking up seven sacks on defense and moving Colorado with ease on offense.

USC could find even more success. Ranked at No. 8, one spot ahead of Oregon, the Trojans are a juggernaut. The team averages 569.2 yards per game, ranking No. 3 in the nation. While due to circumstances, McKinney expects a different atmosphere than Colorado-Oregon, he expects a similar final result on Saturday.

Taking care of business

“USC probably knows they’re going to be judged against that even though it’s a completely different thing,” McKinney said. “Playing on the road [versus] playing at home. Playing an undefeated team [versus] playing a team coming off that loss. I think USC goes in business-like and does it.”

USC has taken care of business so far. The team is 4-0, boasting an average win margin of 35 points per game. Moreover, the Trojans boast 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams behind center. McKinney suspects the standout QB will enter Saturday with extra motivation.

Extra inspiration against Colorado

“He knows the attention Colorado has gotten,” McKinney said. “Early in the season, it was Shedeur Sanders as the potential Heisman Trophy candidate in the Pac-12. My feel is that Caleb Williams, again, is not going to say anything and is going to be very complimentary of of everything that goes on. My feel is he wants to go in there and show what this offense and what he really can do.”

They can do a lot. Fueled by Williams’ golden arm, the Trojans average 55 points per game, the most in the country. Colorado will battle to contain USC’s offensive barrage. The two teams will clash heads at noon ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on FOX.