Game Analysis

USC (-5 ½)  37   Colorado  32

Colorado looks like the real deal so far, as the Buffaloes have outgained their FBS opponents by an average of 517 yards at 6.5 yppl to 343 yards at 4.9 yppl despite facing a slightly tougher than average schedule of teams. Even Colorado’s loss at Michigan was a good game, as the Buffs were only outgained 326 yards at 4.9 yppl to 397 yards at 5.6 yppl by the Wolverines.

USC, however, is much better offensively since Sam Darnold took over at quarterback for the ineffective Max Brown and USC has averaged 7.8 yards per play in Darnold’s two starts against Utah and Arizona State. USC’s defense is only 0.3 yppl better than average so the Buffaloes will score a good number of points regardless of which quarterback is behind center (both have been good). However, my math model projects USC to score a few more points. I don’t really like either side but I’d lean with the over with USC’s offense now underrated.