After getting dissected by USC QB Matt Barkley for four first half touchdowns, Colorado's defense was holding strong towards the end of the third quarter. But with 2:23 to go, and with USC facing a 3rd and 12, Barkley connected with wide receiver Robert Woods for a 45 yard touchdown. The Buffaloes had sacked Barkley on the previous play, and on third down he was flushed out of the pocket and rolled to his right. Initially it appeared as if no receivers were open, but Woods freelanced upon Barkley's scramble, and he darted behind the Buff's defense and caught a beautiful deep ball as he crossed into the end zone to give the Trojans a 35-10 lead.
Barkley's five touchdowns are a career high, and he joins various Trojan quarterbacks— including Carson Palmer and Mark Sanchez— to have accomplished his feat. For his part, Woods, who is probably the best receiver in the Pac-12, now has 130 yards and two touchdowns. It's his sixth 100-plus yard receiving game of the season.
For more in-depth coverage of the Buffaloes, visit Colorado blog The Ralphie Report. For a view from the USC perspective, visit USC blog Conquest Chroncles.