Kelly Could Tie a School Record

The last time USC receiver Kareem Kelly played against Colorado, he caught a career-high 10 passes for 145 yards.

But that is not what he recalls about the second game of the 2000 season.

“On the first drive, I ran a route in the red zone,” Kelly said. “I was going to score, but the ball bounced off my chest, and they got an interception.

“Throughout the game, I was thinking I had to redeem myself and do something exciting.”

Kelly got his chance during the final drive when he caught several passes from Carson Palmer as the Trojans drove for a field goal that gave them a 17-14 victory.

Kelly has caught a pass in all 36 games he played for the Trojans since arriving from Long Beach Poly High in 1999. If he catches a pass today against No. 18 Colorado, he will tie John Jackson’s school record for consecutive games with a reception.

“It’s important to be consistent, but as far as records go, I’m not concerned about that,” said Kelly, who had six receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown in the Trojans’ season-opening victory against Auburn. “If you’re a receiver, and you’re playing, you should catch the ball.”

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More than 4,000 USC fans are expected to be among the sellout crowd at Folsom Field. USC defeated Colorado in Boulder in the Trojans’ 1963 opener. Mike Garrett made his college debut, rushing for 58 yards in 11 carries in a 14-0 victory.

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USC is 26-6-2 against Big 12 Conference opponents and has won six of its last seven games against Big 12 teams. The Trojans defeated Colorado in 2000 but lost to Kansas State, 10-6, last season. Colorado is 35-30-1 against Pacific 10 Conference teams.

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Colorado cornerback Lovell Houston finally gets to play against USC.

Houston, the older brother of injured Colorado running back Marcus Houston, attended UCLA for two years but redshirted in 1998 and missed the USC game in 1999 because of a concussion.

Lovell sat out the 2000 season after transferring and was sidelined because of a hamstring injury last season. He missed this season’s opener against Colorado State because of a sprained knee, but he made four tackles as a nickel back against San Diego State.