Rating the Three Colorado Football Stars After the USC Loss

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Steven Montez led the nation in completion percentage coming in.

Montez managed 26/47 completions for 170 yards and a pick. His quarterback rating was 23.3. In short, it was a forgettable day for the CU star.

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Montez was hurried in the CU backfield, enduring four sacks and a hurry from the Trojans defense, even worse, his interception was a pick-six from deep in Colorado territory to set the tone for the second-half.

The Buffs intercepted USC quarterback JT Daniels on the first play of the game but Montez led the Buffs to a 3-and-out and punt following the pick. It was the first of four consecutive punts to open the game as the CU offense could never get on-track. A Laviska Shenault run on a direct-snap gave Colorado a 7-0 lead early in the second that was short-lived. The Trojans answered with a touchdown of their own on the way to the 21-point quarter and lead that they would not surrender.

It was a step back for the Colorado offense, against a Trojan defense that had been inconsistent leading up to the South division showdown.

Montez was less-than spectacular but where Colorado really looked exposed was in their running game. Travon McMillan managed just 32 yards on 18 carries. By comparison, Shenault’s touchdown run was 49 yards.

If Colorado is going to compete for South supremacy they need more consistency from the running game. Montez’ play has a direct effect on that, when he is on, defenses can not stack the line against the Buffs.

Colorado also needs continued superior performance from their sophomore wideout:

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