Colorado was expected to lose to USC tonight. They lose every game to USC (0-13 all-time), they lose every game they wear all-black (0-6 all-time), and, despite having lost their past three games, don’t realize that you have to play to win if you want to win.
The Buffaloes spent the majority of the second half leading 24-21, 31-21 or 31-24. Between USC’s 59-second, 75-yard opening drive and their game-winning score, the Buffs had the lead for 53 minutes tonight. In that span they made the plays they needed to make, especially on the defensive side, but their second half strategy was the type of conservative “playing not to lose” that loses games like this.