USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, left, running back Darwin Barlow, center, and wide receiver Drake London celebrate after London’s touchdown catch as Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez looks on during the first half of Saturday’s game in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC tight end Michael Trigg, right, pulls in a pass for a touchdown as Colorado safety Isaiah Lewis defends during the first half of Saturday’s game in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC running back Darwin Barlow, left, rumbles for a gain as Colorado safety Mark Perry makes the tackle in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London, center, pulls in a pass between Colorado linebacker Nate Landman, left, and safety Mark Perry in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London, right, pulls in a pass as Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London gestures after pulling in a pass for a first sdown against Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis runs for a short gain against Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London makes a touchdown catch despite coverage from Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez during the first quarter at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC wide receiver Drake London, left, tumbles into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown as Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC tight end Michael Trigg, left, and wide receiver Drake London celebrate after London’s touchdown catch agianst Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, center, runs after recovering a fumble between Colorado offensive linemen Casey Roddick, left, and Frank Fillip in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. USC won, 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, third from left, celebrates recovering a fumble with, from left, cornerback Joshua Jackson Jr., safety Chase Williams and safety Greg Johnson in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. USC won, 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, center, celebrates after recovering a fumble against Colorado in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. USC won, 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC running back Keaontay Ingram, left, is pursued by Colorado defensive end Terrance Lang in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Raymond Scott, right, drags down Colorado running back Jarek Broussard after a short gain in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. USC won, 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC running back Keaontay Ingram, right, is dragged down by Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez after a long gain in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC head coach Donte Williams directs his players against Colorado in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC running back Vavae Malepeai, center, is stopped by Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez, left, and safety Isaiah Lewis in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, left, throws a pass as Colorado defensive lineman Jalen Sami pursues in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis turns to hand off the ball against USC in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. Southern California won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, top, sacks Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell walks the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against USC on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. Dorrell shoved a television photographer from a Denver CBS affiliate while leaving the field after the loss. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, front right, celebrates after his sack of Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis as safety Greg Johnson, left, looks on in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC safety Chase Williams, left, celebrates with cornerback Joshua Jackson Jr. after his interception of a pass thrown by Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Tahj Washington, center, is tackled by Colorado safety Isaiah Lewis, left, and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London, right, flies past Colorado linebacker Carson Wells, center, and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, left, hands off the ball to running back Keaontay Ingram in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC wide receiver Drake London celebrates after a first quarter touchdown catch against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis passes against USC during the first quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis is sacked by USC linebacker Drake Jackson, left, and defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu during the first quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell talks to a referee during the first quarter of a game against USC at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis passes against Colorado in the first quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC wide receiver Drake London makes a catch near the goal line under coverage by cornerback Christian Gonzalez of Colorado during the first quarter at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC wide receiver Drake London makes a catch near the goal line under coverage by cornerback Christian Gonzalez of Colorado in the first quarter at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC wide receiver Drake London, right, and quarterback Kedon Slovis celebrate after a first quarter touchdown against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC place kicker Parker Lewis celebrates after a second quarter field goal against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC wide receiver Tahj Washington is tackled by Colorado safety Isaiah Lewis during the second quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC interim head coach Donte Williams looks on in the second quarter of a game against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado running back Deion Smith, right, celebrates with running back Jayle Stacks after a second quarter touchdown against USC at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis scans the field for a receiver under pressure from USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu during the second quarter at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Colorado tight end Brady Russell carries the ball against cornerback Joshua Jackson Jr. of USC after a catch in the second quarter of a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC linebacker Drake Jackson, left, and safety Greg Johnson celebrate after a third quarter sack against Colorado during a game at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC running back Keaontay Ingram breaks away for a 53-yard gain during the third quarter of a game against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC running back Vavae Malepeai (No. 6, at center of scrum) scores a third quarter touchdown against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC cornerback Joshua Jackson Jr., left, comes up with a third quarter interception as linebacker Kana’i Mauga leaps over him to avoid a collision during a game against Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC interim head coach Donte Williams walks off the field after a 37-14 victory over Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC linebacker Kaulana Makaula celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. Southern California won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
A USC Trojans cheerleader holds up the victory sign during a game between USC and Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC offensive lineman Andrew Milek celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. Southern California won 37-14. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC interim head coach Donte Williams walks off the field after a 37-14 victory over Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC athletic director Mike Bohn, left, who also was the athletic director at Colorado, chats with former Colorado head coach Gary Barnett as players warm up before the first half of an NCAA college football game between Southern California and Colorado Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis holds the Trojan sword and holds as the band performs after a 37-14 victory over Colorado at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
USC head coach Donte Williams, center, joins his players in acknowledging fans after their 37-14 victory over Colorado on Saturday in Boulder. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
USC quarterback Kedon Slovis, right, leads teammates on tot he field to warm up before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie VI runs on the field with handlers before a game between Colorado and USC at Folsom Field on October 2, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Clouds form over Folsom Field as Colorado hosts USC in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
BOULDER, Colo. — After an uneven start to the season, USC stayed perfect against the Colorado Buffaloes.
The Trojans overcame mistakes, including 12 penalties for 115 yards, to beat the Buffaloes, 37-14, on Saturday and bounce back from an embarrassing home loss to Oregon State the week before.
“A culmination of the first four games kind of motivated us,” quarterback Kedon Slovis said. “You might not have seen it, but we were building toward this.”
The Trojans (3-2, 2-2 Pac-12) improved to 15-0 all-time against Colorado behind a big game from linebacker Drake Jackson.
The junior had two of the team’s five sacks and a fumble recovery and harassed Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis all afternoon.
The offense wasn’t always crisp but found ways to slice up the Buffaloes’ defense. Slovis was 19-for-29 passing for 276 yards and two scores, Drake London had nine catches for 130 yards and a touchdown and freshman Michael Trigg had two receptions, including a 46-yard TD grab in the first half.
USC wide receiver Drake London, right, and quarterback Kedon Slovis celebrate after a first-quarter touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
London had seven catches – one for a touchdown – in the first half and outgained Colorado on his own 109-88.
“I try not to throw the ball too perfect because I don’t want to miss him,” Slovis said. “I just want to give him a chance and throw it up there for him. If I overthrow him, I’m making a bad play, so it’s really nice to know I just need to give him a chance and he’ll come down with it.”
The Trojans got their ground game going too. Keaontay Ingram had 14 carries for 124 yards rushing and Vavae Malepeai ran for a score.
“I feel like we played complementary football,” Ingram said. “When the run was there, it was there; when the pass was there, we were there. Complementary football showed in the points today.”
USC committed mistakes to keep the game within reach into the third quarter. A fumble by Ingram late in the first half led to a Colorado touchdown. In the third quarter, USC linebacker Ralen Goforth was ejected for targeting and fellow linebacker Raymond Scott’s late hit kept a Buffaloes drive alive.
“I’m not happy with all the penalties, I’m not happy with all the explosive plays,” Trojans interim head coach Donte Williams said. “I am glad the way we controlled the line of scrimmage. We expect our big-time players to step up in big-time games, and our big-time players stepped up today.”
Each time the Trojans defense responded. Tuli Tuipulotu had a strip sack of Lewis after the targeting call, Jackson recovered it in the air and rumbled to the Colorado 31 to set up a field goal. Later the defense had a stop on a fourth-and-one after the late hit.
“There were questions, not on this team, but the outside world maybe, ‘Can they stop the run?’ They proved they can,” Williams said of the defense. “We went out there and won the game. That’s what we should do, that’s what we expect to do.”
Ingram broke off a 53-yard run to set up a Malepeai’s two-yard touchdown run, but Colorado threatened to make it a game with a touchdown late in the third quarter.
The Buffaloes were driving again when Joshua Jackson Jr. intercepted Lewis’ tipped pass at the Colorado 35. USC overcame a holding penalty that wiped out Ingram’s touchdown run to make it a 23-point game on Slovis’ 15-yard TD pass to Gary Bryant Jr.
Slovis completed passes to seven receivers and came away feeling the offense could have done more Saturday.
“We ran for 200 and threw for almost 300.That’s pretty ideal,” Slovis said. “It was a good day, but there’s still a lot to build on. We left a lot of points out there, but it feels a lot better coming off a win.
The Trojans went three and out on their first drive but overcame two penalties to get on the board first. London had the big play, catching a 31-yard pass between three defenders to put the ball on the Colorado 20.
The drive stalled and Parker Lewis kicked a 30-yard field goal to put USC in front, and London took over on the next drive. He caught passes of 29 and 28 yards, the latter setting up first-and-goal at the 1, and his one-handed catch on second down gave the Trojans a 10-0 lead.
USC wide receiver Drake London makes a one-handed touchdown reception under coverage by Colorado cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
“It’s one of those plays where your body kind of takes over,” London said. “That’s Kedon putting the ball in the right place. He’s such an accurate quarterback. Wherever he puts it, I’m going to try to go get it.”
The defense continued to stuff Colorado’s struggling offense, forcing another punt. Ingram reeled off runs of 10, 13 and 11 yards, Slovis connected with London to move into Buffaloes territory and then went over the top to hit Trigg down the right sideline for a 46-yard TD pass.
The freshman beat the smaller defender, slipped out of the tackle and trotted into the end zone for his first career touchdown.
“Trigg showed me he can come out here and be a threat, a mismatch. Really, if he’s man-to-man, if he’s against a safety or a smaller guy, you can’t stop him,” Slovis said.
USC had a chance to put it away by halftime, but Ingram fumbled at the end of a 17-yard run. A rejuvenated Colorado offense went 48 yards in six plays to score and make it 20-7.
