Three takeaways from Colorado's 37-14 loss to USC

BOULDER — It happened again.

Colorado fell 37-14 to USC at Folsom Field on Saturday. It was Colorado’s fourth-consecutive loss, and third-consecutive loss of at least 22 points.

There honestly isn’t all that much to say.

But here’s what we learned.

What do we even say about the offense?

Colorado’s offense had the same problems that it’s had all year; the offensive line couldn’t make a block, the play-calling left plenty to be desired and the quarterback held the ball for way too long.

It’s the same story. Just copy and paste whatever we said either of the last two weeks right here and you’ll be on the right track.

The one bright spot was Brady Russell.

The junior tight end put up 87 yards on three catches, making him the only Buffalo to log 40 or more receiving yards in a single game so far this season.

More importantly, he provide a splash play, something that’s been missing from Colorado’s offense this season. Since Colorado can’t grind its way down the field with long drives, finding ways to pick up big chunks is even more important.

Christian Gonzalez lost to Drake London

One of the marquee matchups on Saturday was Drake London vs. Christian Gonzalez.

London came into the game as the FBS leader in receptions and receiving yards. He’s one of the three receivers currently in contention to be the first off the board in April’s draft. And he’s a dual-sport sport athlete at USC as a 6-foot-5 guard on the basketball team.

Gonzalez, on the other hand, is a second-year cornerback who has pro potential down the road. He’s handled his business to this point in the season but London is by far the toughest test on the schedule.

London was the favorite in the match and it’s no surprise he wound up winning. By the end of the day, London had nine catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. Almost none of that production was subtle either.

Check out these two catches through good coverage from Gonzalez, which came one play apart:

Drake London … 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/qgXZ15w0Lg

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 2, 2021

Drake London wtfhttps://t.co/MZ9JXkN4rP

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 2, 2021

You can’t ask for much more from Gonzalez.

Only the best corners in the country—and honestly it might take one of the best in the NFL—could stop this.

The special teams were solid

After the game, head coach Karl Dorrell told reporters that the only area where the Buffs played the Trojans even was the special teams.

Colorado didn’t get much going when it comes to returns, but their coverage was solid.

Plus, punter Josh Watts continued his string of strong performances to start the season. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and he put two of his six kicks inside the 20.

So that’s cool I guess.