USC vs. Colorado game preview, prediction: Who wins, and why?

What to watch for as Colorado welcomes USC in Week 5 college football action along with our updated game prediction

Deion Sanders and company return home to Boulder this weekend in another landmark Pac-12 statement game, albeit down some prominent players on the injury list, as newly-unranked Colorado welcomes undefeated, No. 8 ranked USC in college football's Week 5 action on Saturday.

Colorado fell out of the AP top 25 rankings this week after the first loss of the season, a 42-6 decision at Oregon that raised plenty of questions around the Buffaloes' ability to adequately generate and repel pressure on both lines of scrimmage.

USC, meanwhile, is playing behind the No. 2 total offense averaging 569 yards per game, the 1st overall scoring attack generating 55 points per game, ranking 2nd best in scoring margin per game, beating opponents by an average of 35 points.

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as USC and Colorado meet up, along with our Week 5 game predictions.

USC vs. Colorado preview, prediction

USC vs. Colorado picks, predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 30
Time: 10 a.m. MT, 9 a.m. PT
TV: Fox network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

USC vs. Colorado game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: USC -21.5
Total: 73.5 points
Moneyline: USC -2000 | CU +725
FPI pick: USC 89.7% to win

What to watch for

1. USC up front. Say what you will about the Trojans' defense, but their front line should have an edge against Colorado's blockers. The Buffaloes' line allowed a ton of pressure against just four rushers a week ago, a recipe for disaster as the passing game will struggle to find lanes against a secondary with seven tacklers in coverage. USC is 11th nationally with a 10.46 percent sack rate per game and Shedeur Sanders has been brought down 22 times already.

2. Reunion. Wide receiver Brenden Rice initially suited up for Colorado before transferring to USC last season. The son of Jerry Rice, the now-senior pass catcher is one of USC's 4 receivers to have caught 10 or more passes, and has turned 12 catches into 257 yards and five touchdown grabs, while posting 21.4 yards per catch. He's one of 9 targets USC has thrown to so far.

3. Trojans' balanced attack. Behind strong blocking, especially on the edges, the Trojans have the capacity to open consistent running lanes for their backs while keeping Caleb Williams clean in the pocket. He should find adequate holes to target an elite rotation of receivers against a Colorado defense that ranks 125th in total production, allowing 476 total yards per game, and struggles to get to the quarterback.

USC vs. Colorado prediction

USC's offense looked sluggish in last week's win at Arizona State, stumbling through some sloppy early play, had some costly penalties, lost a fumble, and was just 3 of 10 on third down. Any mishaps early on, and Colorado still has the speed in space to take advantage and keep the game close.

But the absence of Colorado star defensive players Travis Hunter and Shilo Sanders, the combination of Williams and his deep threats against the Buffaloes' second-level tacklers, a stable pocket on the edges, and enough of a ground game to churn out consistent gainers against Colorado's front seven are tough to beat.

College Football HQ predicts...

• USC wins 41-17
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

Bet on USC vs. Colorado here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game, including USC vs. Colorado.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings as the Buffaloes and Trojans meet this weekend.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks