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Report: Colorado safety Shilo Sanders doubtful to play vs USC

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney09/30/23ErikTMcKinney
Shilo Sanders
Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado was already going to be without its best defensive back against USC with star two-way cornerback and wide receiver Travis Hunter out. Now, it’s likely the Buffaloes will be down their two best defensive backs as safety Shilo Sanders is doubtful and not expected to play, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN.

Sanders suffered an apparent injury to his kidney during Colorado’s game at Oregon last week. He and head coach Deion Sanders described it as a kidney injury causing him to urinate blood.

Sanders will likely be replaced in the starting defensive lineup by Rodrick Ward. Sanders leads the Buffaloes with 21 solo tackles this season, to go along with a forced fumble and key interception returned for a touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Ward has played in all four games, but has just three tackles. But much of his playing time this season has come on special teams. He’s a California product who attended Mt. San Jacinto College before moving on to Southern Utah and then transferring to Colorado.

Sanders is one of Colorado’s top-three players in terms of snaps this season and, like Hunter, a piece of that secondary that will not be replaced easily.

Colorado’s defense was already at a major disadvantage against USC’s offense even with Sanders in the lineup. The Buffaloes are last in the Pac-12 in points per game allowed, total yards per game allowed and rushing yards per game allowed. Colorado is 11th in the conference in passing yards per game allowed and third-down conversion percentage allowed. The Buffs rank No. 107 or worse, nationally, in all of those categories.

The USC offense led by quarterback Caleb Williams, meanwhile, ranks first nationally in points per game and third nationally in both total yards and passing yards per game.

USC and Colorado are set to kick off later this morning at 9 am PT from Folsom Field. The game will air on FOX.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz