Early on, it appeared as if USC would be handing Colorado its second consecutive embarrassing loss to open Pac-12 play, as the Trojans built a 27-point lead midway through the second quarter.

But we should never discount the USC defense’s ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This time, missed tackles and defensive lapses let the Buffaloes back into the game in the second half.

The Trojans ultimately closed the Buffs out, 48-41, but it wasn’t entirely pretty.

Here are 3 takeaways from a game that was much closer than it needed to be.

Caleb Williams is human — and maybe superhuman

Contrary to previous thought, Caleb Williams is not some kind of mythical being.

He’s only close.

It took nearly 3 quarters into USC’s fifth game — and 21 touchdowns in his back pocket — for the Heisman favorite to toss his first interception of the year.

But aside from one ill-advised downfield throw, Williams was nearly flawless against a hampered Colorado defensive backfield. Williams completed 30-of-40 passes for 403 yards with 6 touchdowns to go along with the one pick.

But as usual, it wasn’t what Williams did but how he did it — on the move, with flair and finesse. As he is wont to do, Williams extended plays and put the pressure on the Travis Hunter-less Buffalo backfield throughout the game.

A star is born in Omarion

Before Saturday, Colorado 4-star true freshman wide receiver Omarion Miller had zero receptions for zero yards. Midway through the third quarter Saturday, Miller still hadn’t earned a spot in the Buffs all-time record book.

About 23 minutes later, Miller had etched himself in Colorado lore. What happened in between was stunning.

Miller set a program freshman record with 196 yards on 7 receptions, including a 65-yard catch for his first grab of his career. From that point forward, it was clear Shedeur Sanders had a new preferred target.

Colorado’s receiving corps was already deep. Now it’s silly.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

It’s shaking up to be another disappointing December for the Trojans, whose defense got off to a great start, only to collapse against Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado offense.

Buffaloes offensive coordinator Sean Lewis appeared satisfied to dink and dunk early, and USC built a big lead. But Colorado’s offensive line largely withstood the pressure from a unit that ranks among national leaders in sacks, and Sanders had a day.

Sanders finished 30-of-45 passing for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns with a pick, along with 50 rushing yards and a TD. Colorado actually out-gained the Trojans, 564-498.

Not a banner day for the USC defense, as if there are any.

Grinch, unsurprisingly, was a popular target on social media after the game.