Rece Davis picks USC to cover spread against Colorado

Rece Davis likes Colorado. However, he likes USC a little bit more. On Thursday, the ESPN analyst broke down his predictions for the USC-Colorado matchup on Saturday.

“What Deion Sanders said last week is right. If you’re going to get him, this is a really good time because they’re just going to keep getting better,” Davis said. “This will be a very good time for USC.”

Oddsmakers agree. USC is a 21.5-point favorite over Colorado, according to FanDuel. After Colorado’s 42-6 loss to Oregon last week, it’s difficult to argue the lopsided spread. In the blowout win, Oregon exploded for 522 yards in the victory, more than doubling Colorado’s meek offensive production.

Exposing Colorado’s weakness

While Davis foresees a USC victory, he doesn’t expect it to look the same as Oregon’s triumph over the Buffaloes. Nonetheless, Davis expects the two teams to share one key to success.

“For all of the problems of the USC defense, and there are multiple problems because only UTEP, Central Michigan and UMass have allowed more 50-yard plays than USC and you know that Colorado can make some big plays.

“But, there’s also this. Only Old Dominion… has allowed more sacks than Colorado,” Davis continued. “For all of the bad things USC does on defense, they do one thing well: they sack the quarterback. They’ve done it 16 times, their third in the country. They’ll get some more.”

Colorado gave up seven sacks in its loss to the Ducks. As Davis mentioned, the Buffaloes have allowed 23 sacks this season, the second-most in the country, trailing only Old Dominion. USC defensive linemen such as Bear Alexander could cause mayhem for Colorado.

Big expectations for USC-Colorado

Davis expects nothing less.

“Colorado will pop some plays. They’ll score more than they did against Oregon. But it’s going to be just as ugly,” Davis said. “USC gets to 60 and probably beats them somewhere in the neighborhood of 63-21. So, I’m laying the points.”

Davis’ lofty score expectation isn’t a reach. The Trojans average 55 points per game, the most in the country. Moreover, the team’s offensive leader may be looking to lay it on thick against Colorado.

Early in the season, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders stole the attention from USC QB and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. The Trojans standout, who averages over 300 passing yards per game, might look to make a point against the Buffaloes.

The two teams will face off on Saturday at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX.