Although it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference in slowing down the impressive Matt Barkley, CU did suffer two key injuries to its depleted defensive unit in the loss to USC. According to the Denver Post, both freshman middle linebacker Brady Daigh and freshman safety Kyle Washington were injured in the first half and unable to return to the game:

Colorado freshman Brady Daigh, who started at middle linebacker, injured his wrist in the first quarter and did not return. Safety Kyle Washington suffered a possible concussion breaking up a pass in the second quarter and didn't return.

The injury to Daigh will be important to monitor, as he only recently started to see more playing time following a season-ending knee injury to Doug Rippy. Washington was a surprise starter this week after starting safety Ray Polk had a setback in his recovery from a concussion.

For the latest information regarding these injuries, be sure to visit The Ralphie Report. SB Nation College Football has all the key news for fans.