Nelson Spruce (22) catches a touchdown pass behind defender Torin Harris (4). (James Bradbury/CU Independent)
On a below-freezing night in Boulder, the University of Southern California Trojans breezed past the Buffaloes, 47-29. The loss dropped CU’s record to 4-7 and eliminated any hopes of making a bowl game this season.
Colorado scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to orchestrate a late surge, but USC was able to hold on and score a touchdown with two minutes left in the game to secure the win.
After the game, head coach Mike MacIntyre said that despite the loss, he was happy with how his team played on senior night.
“I was really really proud of how our guys kept fighting and working and pushing, and I thought we hit hard and competed tonight,” MacIntyre said.
All night CU had no answer for USC’s sophomore running back Javorius Allen as he rushed for a career-best 145 yards and three touchdowns. USC quarterback Cody Kessler tossed the ball for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
Offensively the Buffs were shut out the entire first half, but came to life in the fourth quarter to put up 312 offensive yards. Freshman quarterback Sefo Liufau was able to overcome a poor first half to pass for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Star wide receiver Paul Richardson didn’t get his first reception until late in the third quarter, but did grab eight catches for 88 yards and one touchdown. With tonight’s performance, Richardson was able to break the school single-season receptions record of 79, besting D.J. Hackett’s 2003 mark of 78.
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Overall, it was an emotional night for Colorado as many seniors played their final home game at Folsom Field.
“I wanted guys to lay it all out there tonight on my senior day, and I feel like they definitely did,” senior linebacker Derrick Webb said after the game.
Senior defensive back Parker Orms was awarded the Heart of the Buffalo award, given by the fans to the player they believe best exemplifies CU spirit.
“I feel like every senior deserves that award,” Orms said. “We’ve grown and battled every Saturday together.”
Up next for the Buffs: a road trip to Salt Lake City to take on conference rival University of Utah for the final game of the season. The game is scheduled for next Saturday at 2 pm and will be televised on the PAC-12 network.
The Folsom crowd from before the game until it was over. (Robert R. Denton/CU Independent)
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Grayson O’Roark at Grayson.Oroark@colorado.edu.
