USC vs. Colorado: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

The 1-8 Colorado Buffaloes will host the 6-2 USC Trojans on Friday night in a Pac-12 contest that will have little more than pride on the line. The Trojans would be in contention in the conference under normal circumstances, but a postseason ban makes them ineligible for the conference title.

USC nearly knocked off undefeated Stanford last week, but the Cardinal were able to knock off the Trojans 56-48 in triple overtime. In many ways, that game was like USC's championship game, and the Trojans proved that they could compete against the very best.

Colorado's first season in the Pac-12 hasn't gone as hoped, but it hasn't been unexpected either. The Buffaloes have lost six consecutive games and have yet to win their first conference game. They will have a golden opportunity to shock the Trojans on Friday.

USC is heavily favored on the road, and for good reason, but the Buffaloes will surely be up for this game in prime time. With the Trojans likely focused due to not being eligible for a bowl, however, it is difficult to see them losing this game.

Where: Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo.

When: Friday, Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3D

Spread: USC (-21)

Colorado has lost five of its past six games by at least 20 points, and many of them were by much more than 20 points. The Buffaloes didn't even come close against teams slightly above USC's level in Stanford and Oregon, so I highly doubt they will cover against the Trojans.

Over/Under: 62

While I expect the Trojans to put up a lot of points against the Buffaloes, 62 is an absolutely massive over/under line. Against teams comparable to USC like Ohio State, Stanford, Oregon and Arizona State, Colorado hasn't been able to score more than 17 points in a game.

The Trojans will hang a crooked number on Colorado, but with the Buffaloes unlikely to score more than 17 points, I would feel much safer taking the under here.

USC Key Injuries

Doubtful: RB Marc Tyler (shoulder), LB Dion Bailey (concussion), LB Shane Horton (arm)

Questionable: DB T.J. McDonald (suspension), DB Jawanza Starling (undisclosed)

Colorado Key Injuries

Questionable: RB Brian Lockridge (ankle), WR Kyle Cefalo (knee), WR Jason Espinoza (concussion)

Probable: RB Rodney Stewart (knee), WR Paul Richardson (knee)

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Regardless of whether the Trojans are ranked or not (they currently aren't in the BCS), it doesn't matter much since they are ineligible for postseason play.

Even so, the Trojans will certainly want to finish as high as possible in the Pac-12 standings so they know exactly where they stand moving forward. The regular season essentially is their postseason at this point.

Colorado never stood a chance to be ranked, but a win over USC could do wonders for the program. The Buffaloes have had a miserable first season in the Pac-12, and have been awful for quite a few years to be honest. A signature win is needed to turn things around, and this could be it.

Keys to USC Win

Provided the Trojans play as they have for the majority of the season, they shouldn't have any trouble with Colorado. Defense has been a bit of a problem, which is uncharacteristic of USC, so that will need to improve a bit, but the Buffaloes lack the weapons to make them pay.

USC has featured an incredible aerial assault this season led by quarterback Matt Barkley and wide receiver Robert Woods. That should continue against Colorado, but the Trojans may want to get the ground game going as well with Curtis McNeal.

The Trojans have been spotty running the ball this season, but the run game could come in handy against No. 8 Oregon in a couple weeks.

Keys to Colorado Win

Unless they have made a deal with the devil, I'm not sure there is anything the Buffaloes can realistically fix in an effort to best USC. Colorado is one of the worst teams in the nation defensively as it allows over 38 points per game, and I doubt the Buffaloes will be able to slow down Matt Barkley and Co.

Quarterback Tyler Hansen has actually been solid this season with 2,029 yards and 14 touchdowns, but a lot of that has been in garbage time with Colorado trailing. Perhaps the Buffaloes will be able to throw the ball a bit on USC, but I ultimately don't see it being enough.

Prediction

USC 48, Colorado 10