USC survives the Deion Sanders show in Boulder with 48-41 victory
BOULDER, Colo. — At least a dozen people crowded around Shedeur Sanders as he warmed up Saturday morning. Cameras and cellphones focused on the Colorado quarterback, whose thick diamond-encrusted chain adorned with his No. 2 jersey number glimmered as the sun rose over the east side of Folsom Field. Fuzzy boom microphones hung overhead near midfield.
Tucked away in the corner of the end zone without a large camera in sight, Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, stretched silently.
While Colorado has won college football’s popularity contest, using head coach Deion Sanders to dethrone the original college Hollywood “it” team, quarterback Williams and No. 8 USC won where it counted Saturday: 48-41 on the scoreboard.
Williams finished with 403 yards passing, six touchdowns and one interception on 30-for-40 passing as the Trojans (5-0, 3-0 Pac-12) extended their dominance in the series to 17-0 as USC survived Colorado’s second-half comeback attempt.
USC handles onside kick and avoids disaster
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 41, end of game
USC easily handled Colorado’s onside kick attempt, and the Trojans then ran out the clock amid boos from Buffaloes fans.
Colorado scores, slices USC’s lead to seven points
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 41, 1:43 left in the fourth quarter
Colorado opened at its 20-yard line and tried to move quickly facing a double-digit deficit.
After USC’s defense stuffed a run for a two-yard loss, Shedeur Sanders delivered two passes for a total of 18 yards.
Colorado ran for a short gain and then Sanders passed to Omarion Miller for 15 yards.
USC’s defense stuffed two more runs, but Sanders brushed off a potential sack and passed to Miller at the USC 11-yard line.
Colorado was called for a false start, setting up first and 15. Sanders then passed to Jimmy Horn Jr. in the end zone. Colorado converted the extra point.
USC was called for a personal foul penalty after the score, impacting the kickoff.
USC misses field-goal attempt, giving Colorado hope
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 34, 5:58 left in the fourth quarter
USC had a chance to regain momentum and pull away with one more touchdown.
The Trojans opened on the Colorado 44 following the Buffs’ turnover on downs.
MarShawn Lloyd rushed for two yards and then Caleb Williams passed to Austin Jones for a 24-yard gain.
Jones rushed for one yard and Williams’ next pass was incomplete. Facing third and nine on the Colorado 17, USC called time out.
Williams tried his usual roll out of the pocket to buy time, but Colorado closed quickly and he was sacked.
Denis Lynch missed the 39-yard field-goal attempt, firing up the crowd at Folsom Field.
USC defense picks up key sack to end Colorado drive
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 34, 8:58 left in the fourth quarter
Colorado started its drive at its 20-yard line.
After a rush for no gain, Shedeur Sanders passed to Omarion Miller for a 28-yard gain.
On first and 10 on the Colorado 48, Sanders tossed an incomplete pass. His next throw was on target, but USC was in position to break it up.
On third and 10, Colorado ran the ball for five yards.
It brought up fourth and five at the USC 47.
After a timeout, Sanders was sacked for a loss of nine yards.
USC can’t stop Colorado’s momentum and punts
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 34, 10:29 left in the fourth quarter
USC opened with the ball on its 25-yard line.
Caleb Williams rushed for 13 yards.
He then passed to Tahj Washington for a five-yard gain.
Williams’ deep pass intended for Dorian Singer sailed out of bounds.
Facing third and five at the USC 43, Lincoln Riley called time out.
Williams’ pass to Washington was incomplete and USC punted.
Colorado scores again, putting pressure on USC
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 34, 11:55 left in the fourth quarter
Colorado gashed the USC defense, using a heavy dose of run plays that previously weren’t in the Buffaloes’ arsenal.
The runs are set up some key pass plays for the Buffaloes, capped by Shedeur Sanders’ strike to Omarion Miller for a nine-yard touchdown.
Colorado hit the extra point to further trim USC’s lead.
The Colorado surge is sure to raise more questions about USC’s defensive struggles.
Caleb Williams tosses his first interception of the season
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 27, end of third quarter
Caleb Williams evaded pressure and looked up field. This time, he forced the ball and paid the price.
Colorado’s Jaylen Ellis picked off the ball intended for Mario Williams, giving Caleb Williams his first interception of the season.
Shadeur Sanders moved the ball from the Colorado 39 to the USC 49 before the end of the third quarter.
Colorado adds another touchdown
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 27, 1:03 left in the third quarter
Colorado started its next drive on its 25-yard line. Dyland Edwards carried the ball twice for a gain of 10 yards and two plays later Shedeur Sanders passed to Omarion Miller for a gain of 44 yards. Two USC defensive penalties on the play were declined.
Sanders passed to the left to Michael Harrison for a 21-yard touchdown.
Colorado got a delay of game penalty on its two-point conversion attempt.
Sanders lobbed it into the end zone and Miller caught the ball, but he was out of bounds.
Miller had no receptions entering today and has since delivered on two deep pass plays and nearly added the two-point conversion.
Caleb Williams throws his sixth touchdown pass
No. 8 USC 48, Colorado 21, 2:14 left in the third quarter
Caleb Williams continues to direct the USC offense, which started at its 25.
Williams passed to Tahj Washington for a four-yard gain.
His next pass to MarShawn Lloyd was caught out of bounds.
On third-and-six at the USC 29, Williams threw into pressure to Brenden Rice, the ball popped up and a Colorado player caught the ball.
Flags were tossed and Colorado was called for pass interference, triggering a USC first down.
Williams took a hit as he passed to Washington for a first down on the next play.
Williams’ next pass attempt was incomplete, bringing up second-and-10 at the Colorado 45.
Williams then hit Rice for an 18-yard gain.
Lloyd gained four yards before Williams passed to Kyron Hudson for 18 yards, advancing to the Colorado five-yard line.
Austin Jones rushed up the middle for two yards.
Williams faked a handoff and then tosses the ball to Jude Wolfe to the right side for a three-yard touchdown.
Williams now has six touchdown passes, tying his career high.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point.
Colorado counters with quick score
No. 8 USC 41, Colorado 21, 5:50 left in the third quarter
Colorado started with the ball on its 25, but didn’t stay in its territory long.
Shedeur Sanders passed to Omarion Miller for a 65-yard gain, quickly moving the ball to the Colorado 25.
After a two-yard rush, USC’s Curtis Tackett was called for a facemask penalty, giving Colorado the ball at USC’s two-yard line.
Anthony Hankerson rushed for a two-yard touchdown and Colorado hit the extra point during a series that spanned 1:24.
Caleb Williams directs another quick scoring drive
No. 8 USC 41, Colorado 14, 7:14 left in the third quarter
Caleb Williams remains in the game and keeps slinging the ball well.
His quick decision-making continues to distinguish him.
Williams completed three consecutive passes before a USC false start penalty.
No problem, Williams found Mario Williams for a 28-yard pass on he next play.
Two players later, Williams completed a six-yard touchdown pass to Brenden Rice. Denis Lynch hit the extra point during a drive that spanned 2:51.
Williams may not stay in the game much longer with the Trojans owning a commanding lead.
USC defense applies more pressure, forces a punt
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 14, 10:05 left in the third quarter
Shedeur Sanders could not overcome a holding penalty on first down that set the Buffs back.
Romello Height sacked Sanders for a loss of seven on third-and-15, setting up the Colorado punt.
USC will get the ball at its 45-yard line after a Michael Jackson III one-yard return.
Colorado’s secondary frustrates Caleb Williams
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 14, 11:27 left in the third quarter
MarShawn Lloyd rushed for no gain on first down.
Caleb Williams then completed a pass to Dorian Singer for a nine-yard gain.
USC was called for a block in the back and faced second-and-20. Williams rushed for six yards after finding no open receivers.
Williams evaded pressure in a collapsing pocket and passed to Singer, who only gained six yards on third-and-14.
USC punted and Colorado took a fair catch at the 20-yard line.
USC forces punt to open third quarter
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 14, 13:14 left in the third quarter
We’re back.
After the touchback, Colorado started at its 25-yard line.
USC gave up one first down, but soon after sacked Shadeur Sanders for a loss of 10 yards on third-and-five at the Colorado 40. The Buffs punted and Caleb Williams will take over at the USC 38-yard line.
Caleb Williams closes nearly flawless first half
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 14, halftime
Caleb Williams completed one pass before USC let time expire and headed to the locker room.
Williams was 17-of-20 passing for 260 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions during the first half. He was sacked once.
Tahj Washington has four catches for 102 yards and score, while Brenden Rice, Mario Williams and Dorian Singer also have touchdown catches. Williams has delivered the ball to eight receivers.
MarShawn Lloyd has nine carries for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Mason Cobb has eight tackles, including two for a loss.
“We’ve got to stop blowing coverage and giving up big plays,” Deion Sanders said during his halftime interview with Fox Sports. “We’re helping them.”
Shedeur Sanders runs for a touchdown
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 14, 21 seconds left in the second quarter
Colorado started on its 27-yard line after a short kickoff return and tried to push the tempo.
Shedeur Sanders completed two passes for a total of 15 yards, rushed for seven yards and passed for 11 yards. After a three-yard run and timeout, Sanders scrambled for a five-yard gain. Dylan Edwards rushed for eight yards and Sanders passed to Willie Gaines for a nine-yard gain.
Colorado faced second-and-one on the USC 25 with 28 seconds left and called timeout.
Sanders took the snap and immediately ran straight up the middle, scampering all the way into the end zone.
With the extra point, Colorado got a bit of momentum before it receives the ball to open the third quarter.
Caleb Williams continues hot start half, leads another scoring drive
No. 8 USC 34, Colorado 7, 2:54 left in the second quarter
Sorry Coach Prime. This has turned into the Caleb Williams show.
Williams delivered two passes for a total gain of 14 yards. MarShawn Lloyd rushed twice for a total gain of 12 yards.
Williams then completed three consecutive passes to Michael Jackson III for five yards, Tahj Washington for 16 yards and Brenden Rice for 26 yards.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to extend the USC lead.
USC defense forces quick Colorado punt
No. 8 USC 27, Colorado 7, 5:22 left in the second quarter
Colorado picked up one first down before wilting under USC defensive pressure and was forced to punt.
The Buffs punted to the USC 25 and Michael Jackson III returned it two yards.
USC blocks a punt and scores two plays later
No. 8 USC 27, Colorado 7, 7:30 left in the second quarter
Colorado could not build on its momentum.
A false start penalty on second down forced Colorado to quickly punt.
Mark Vassett took a long time setting up to punt the ball and it was blocked by Eric Gentry and recovered by Brenden Rice at the Colorado 23.
MarShawn Lloyd rushed for a loss of one yard before Caleb Williams delivered a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mario Williams.
USC matched Colorado with a special teams mistake, fumbling the snap and on the extra point attempt and falling on the ball.
Crushing sack breaks up USC drive
No. 8 USC 21, Colorado 7, 9:15 left in the second quarter
Caleb Williams and MarShawn Lloyd helped USC gain a series of chunk plays before Colorado made a crushing defensive play.
On second-and-six, Williams never saw Colorado’s Omarion Cooper rush from the right side and was sacked for a loss of eight yards. Williams was lucky to hold onto the ball.
Lloyd ran for three yards and USC punted into the end zone.
Colorado scores its first touchdown
No. 8 USC 21, Colorado 7, 12:59 left in the second quarter
After the USC touchback, Colorado faced another high pressure drive.
Shedeur Sanders passed to for six-yard gain before he tried an option pass that left Colorado one yard short of a first down.
The Buffaloes continued to push the tempo as they had all season, converting on third down with a quick run.
There was confusion on the field after the sticks moved before the sneak, suggesting Colorado ran a sneak on first down. The refs determined the chain crew made a mistake after back-to-back protests by Colorado and USC.
After the ref said it was first down and “let’s play,” there was one more delay reset the game clock to 14:24.
Finally, Colorado face first-and-10 on the 35-yard line.
Sanders ran up the middle for again of 18 yards. He then passed out of bounds amid double USC coverage on his intended receiver.
Sanders passed for a nine-yard gain, bringing up third-and-one at the USC 42.
Dylan Edwards ran for again of eight yards before Sanders passed to Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 30-yard touchdown. With the extra point, Colorado trimmed the USC lead and fired up sold out Folsom Field.
USC opens the second quarter with a touchdown
No. 8 USC 21, Colorado 0, 14:55 left in the second quarter
On first-and-goal at the eight, Caleb Williams bought time and passed to Dorian Singer for the eight-yard touchdown.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to extend the Trojans’ lead.
Shedeur Sanders tosses an interception
No. 8 USC 14, Colorado 0, end of the first quarter
The pressure is getting to Colorado.
After two runs for a total of five yards, Shedeur Sanders’ pass was intercepted by Christian Roland-Wallace and returned to the Colorado 22-yard line.
Caleb Williams efficiently moved the ball to the Colorado eight-yard line before the first ended.
Williams was 8-of-11 passing for 147 yards and one touchdown in the first quarter. Tahj Washington has three catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. And MarShawn Lloyd has two carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Mason Cobb leads the defense with four tackles, one for a loss.
Caleb Williams goes deep for a quick score
No. 8 USC 14, Colorado 0, 2:30 left in the first quarter
Caleb Williams rolled and threw away his first pass under pressure. He scrambled out of the pocket on second down for a six-yard gain.
Facing third-and-four, the USC offensive line gave Williams a lot of time to scan the field. He bought more by floating to his left before finding Tahj Washington across the middle at the Colorado 40-yard line. Washington took it the rest of the way for a 71-yard touchdown.
In case you missed it, Thu Nhi Nguyen chronicled Williams’ skill delivering the deep pass.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to complete the quick scoring drive.
Colorado misses 41-yard field goal
No. 8 USC 7, Colorado 0, 3:18 left in the first quarter
Colorado turned to the run game early in an extended drive marked by penalties.
Shedeur Sanders ran for 16 yards and Dylan Edwards ran for four more before Sanders passed for a one-yard gain.
Bear Alexander was called for an offsides penalty on third-and-five, extending Colorado’s drive.
The runs opened up the Colorado passing lanes, helping Sanders move the ball to the USC 49. A Buffaloes false start triggered third-and-six before two more penalties again extended Colorado’s drive. The Buffs were called for offensive pass interference on the next snap, but Domani Jackson was called for unnecessary roughness for contact out of bounds at the end of the play to give Colorado a first down.
On first-and-10 on the Colorado 46, Sanders passed for two yards. Dylan Edwards’ next run was reviewed after he was credited for an eight-yard gain. The refs ruled it was a five-yard gain.
Colorado used a couple of runs to move the ball inside USC’s 30-yard line before Mason Cobb broke up a Sanders pass that the Trojans nearly recovered.
USC forced third-and-nine and knocked Sanders down as he delivered an incomplete pass across the middle. Sanders missed one open receiver on the play.
Jace Feely attempted a 41-yard field goal and missed.
USC punts after a bad snap
No. 8 USC 7, Colorado 0, 9:20 left in the first quarter
Caleb Williams found Kyron Hudson for a 14-yard gain. Williams then looked deep up field and just overthrew open Dorian Singer. On second-and-10, his passed to Hudson sailed out of bounds.
Facing third-and-10, Williams couldn’t pull in a high snap and USC was fortunate Williams could dive forward to recover the ball. It’s the second consecutive week a bad snap has nearly led to a USC turnover.
The Trojans’ Eddie Czaplicki punted and USC was able to down it at the Colorado 10-yard line.
USC forces Colorado to go three-and-out
No. 8 USC 7, Colorado 0, 10:52 left in the first quarter
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders began his first Colorado drive on his 25-yard line. He completed one pass for a gain of five yards and another for a loss of three.
Facing third-and-eight, Sanders passed to Anthony Hankerson and the USC defense quickly closed to drop him for a loss of two yards and Colorado was forced to punt.
Mason Cobb made two of the three tackles on the drive.
USC will take over with the ball on its 27.
USC converts on third-and-nine, quickly scores
No. 8 USC 7, Colorado 0, 12:33 left in the first quarter
After a touchback, USC began its drive at is 25-yard line.
Caleb Williams connected with Tahj Washington for two passes spanning 15 yards before MarShawn Lloyd was dropped for a three-yard loss on a carry.
Facing third-and-nine in front of a roaring crowd, Williams found plenty of time to scan the field before connecting with Brenden Rice for 18-yards. Williams hit Lake McCree for another 18-yard drive before Lloyd ran for a 27-yard touchdown.
Denis Lynch hit the extra point to complete the quick drive.
And we’re off ...
The crowd is roaring as Folsom Field as USC receives the opening kickoff.
Caleb Williams tells Matt Leinart he doesn’t shy away from pressure
Former USC Heisman winner Matt Leinart interviewed current USC Heisman winner Caleb Williams during the Fox pregame show.
Leinart asked Williams how this season differed from last season, noting he’s constantly in the national spotlight.
“I’ve been on three or four national commercials, which is insane,” Williams said. “I go home, and I’m watching other college games, it’s just weird to hear my voice and see my face up on the TV. It’s been really cool, a really cool experience at such a young age, and hopefully I have a lot more left.”
Leinart asked how Williams managed the pressure of trying to repeat as a Heisman winner and pushing to win a national title while the NFL looms.
“I don’t shy away from it,” William said. “I don’t put it away. All of those things you just said are dreams of mine. Whether it was the Heisman, national championship or going to the NFL and being the first pick, it’s always been a dream of mine. Why would it bother me if it’s something that I’ve been working so hard for? So I go out there, be the same person, same player and it normally turns out pretty well.”
Zachariah Branch, Max Williams out against Colorado
Freshman receiver Zachariah Branch and senior safety Max Williams are not dressed in pads as USC warms up for its much-hyped game against Colorado in Boulder.
Williams was playing his best football of his career leading into last week’s game at Arizona State and his absence opens the door for safety Bryson Shaw to start. Branch has been electric on offense and special teams for the Trojans, with two receiving touchdowns, one punt return touchdown and one kick return touchdown. Michael Jackson III and Dorian Singer were warming up as returners before the game.
The sideline is packed with celebrities as Deion Sanders has turned Boulder into the epicenter of college football. Former NBA stars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, outfitted with special golden Prime Passes, were among the big names roaming the Colorado sideline before the game.
Looking back at the best Pac-12 games between USC and Colorado
With USC and UCLA playing their final season in the Pac-12, The Times is revisiting the top games in the history of each series. This week: USC versus Colorado, a series USC leads 12-0 in the Pac-12 and 16-0 all time.
Oct. 18, 2014: No. 22 USC 56, Colorado 28
Cody Kessler threw a school-record seven touchdowns, surpassing Matt Barkley‘s mark of six, which he accomplished against the Buffaloes in 2011 and 2013. With four touchdown passes in the first quarter, USC raced to a 28-0 lead. Kessler claimed the record with a 24-yard pass to Steve Mitchell in the third quarter.
Caleb Williams and USC receivers are perfecting ‘the art’ of the deep pass
There were drops. There were drive-killing penalties. But most important for USC, there was still Caleb Williams.
When little was going right in USC’s passing game in a sloppy matchup against Arizona State on Saturday, the Heisman-winning quarterback rescued the Trojans with deep-ball fireworks that have become the signature of this season’s USC offense.
Williams has tossed eight touchdown passes traveling 20 or more yards in the air this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Of Williams’ 15 touchdown passes, 11 (73.3%) were on passes 10 or more yards compared to last year when the Heisman winner threw 17 of his 42 (40.5%) touchdown passes farther than 10 yards.
The gospel according to Deion Sanders: Coach Prime woos fans and overhauls Colorado
“I want to get a testimony right quick,” the preacher man said. “We got some stars out here that loveee Jesus!”
The preacher man descended from the pulpit, down a few steps of the patterned carpet at Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Fla., and beckoned for a brotha blessed for prime time.
“Deion,” the preacher man called out. “Deeeeeionnn Sanders!”
Before he could say another word, men from each corner of the chancel hooted and howled. Women cheered and clapped in euphoria. In the front row that day in the early aughts was Deion Sanders — sharply dressed in a floor-length, pinstripe stunna suit, two-toned wing tips and his signature half-inch cut. Deion was in town, away from his duties at the time as a pro football player in the nation’s capital, for one of famed televangelists Paula and Randy White’s gospel extravaganzas.
USC’s Lincoln Riley and Colorado’s Deion Sanders dole out flowers instead of barbs
During four thrilling weeks, Deion Sanders emerged as the larger-than-life epicenter of the college football universe, calling out any haters in his orbit, taking a flamethrower to the sport’s long-standing norms and attracting a level of attention to Colorado that would far exceed the otherwise rigid bounds of the sport. Along the way, Sanders made a point of stacking whatever slights he could find to fire up his team.
When Colorado upset Texas Christian in its opener, Sanders told reporters after the game that he’d kept receipts and wondered aloud if now they believed. The next week, he riled his team over four-month-old comments Nebraska coach Matt Rhule made about the transfer portal, only for Nebraska to add fuel to the fire when it gathered on the Colorado logo at midfield before the game.
Before long, as the spotlight on Sanders and the Buffaloes brightened, opposing coaches simply couldn’t help themselves. Colorado State’s Jay Norvell took a shot at Sanders for not taking off his sunglasses and hat when talking to reporters. Oregon coach Dan Lanning made sure to invite cameras into the locker room before the game as he declared Colorado was “fighting for clicks, we’re fighting for wins.”
No. 8 USC vs. Colorado: Four things to watch Saturday morning
Lincoln Riley knows the game plan. Big-name coach takes over a struggling program, brings a slew of talented transfers, wins big early behind a dynamic quarterback. National attention pours in.
But even Riley didn’t do it like this.
Deion Sanders has taken the same blueprint from Riley’s first year at USC and blown it to unseen proportions at Colorado, turning the Buffaloes into college football’s new “it” team. Rappers, NBA stars and A-list actors pack the sideline at Folsom Field to catch a glimpse of Coach Prime. Colorado’s four games are all among the nation’s top seven most-watched games this season, led by 10.03 million viewers who tuned in to ABC to watch Colorado get blown out by Oregon last weekend. Saturday will be Colorado’s third home game and the third time Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” will broadcast from Folsom Field.