5 Key Story Lines Going into the USC vs Colorado Game

Steven Montez or Sefo Liufau?

For the second time in 2016, USC isn’t sure what quarterback they’ll see on Saturday.

When it came to Alabama, Nick Saban seemed to be obfuscating the process on purpose, initially ruling out the quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who ultimately buried the Trojans on opening weekend.

This time, Colorado’s quarterback situation is clouded by injury. Starter Sefo Liufau injured his ankle two weeks ago in the middle of the Buffaloes’ shocking upset bid against Michigan.

Steven Montez didn’t complete a single pass in relief of Liufau at The Big House. Since then, however, the redshirt freshman has guided Colorado’s offense with the poise of a veteran.

In two games, Montez has thrown for over 600 yards, with six touchdowns to two interceptions and a passer rating of 187. Liufau’s passer rating before the injury was 181.

Now that Liufau is back practicing and approaching full health, Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre has a tough decision on his hands. Will he stick with the young and capable back up? Or risk playing the veteran before he’s 100% ready?

Whatever McIntyre chooses, USC insists the preparation is the same for both.

“To all of us, they both play the same,” cornerback Jonathan Lockett said. “Same body type, same style of running…We see them as being the same.”

Fortunately for USC, both are also in a similar mold to the passers the Trojans have faced over the past two weeks. Though neither Liufau nor Montez will have as many designed quarterback runs as ASU’s Manny Wilkins, both are capable of using their feet to extend plays, like Utah’s Troy Williams. Montez even had 135 yards and a rushing touchdown against Oregon.

The only discernible difference between the two? According to Clancy Pendergast, it’s simple: “One’s a young guy and one’s an older guy that’s played a little bit more.”

Despite the age and experience gap, Clay Helton said the thing that jumps off the tape for both is smart play.

“Both kids have been great decision-makers, [with] 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions. I’ve been really impressed,” Helton said.