Kessler helps USC hang on for 27-24 win over Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) Cody Kessler threw three touchdown passes in the second half, Adoree' Jackson blocked a field goal to set up a score and Southern California hung on to beat Colorado 27-24 on a frigid Friday night for its fourth straight victory.

Trailing by two touchdowns to a 16-point underdog, the Trojans (7-3, 5-2 Pac-12) woke up on offense and scored 24 straight points. It was their 10th straight victory over Colorado (4-7, 1-6).

Kessler gave the Trojans their first lead on a 2-yard pass to tight end Taylor McNamara late in the third quarter. The defense preserved the win by forcing a fourth-down incompletion on Colorado's final possession with 1:59 remaining.

Colorado turned to freshman quarterback Cade Apsay when Sefo Liufau left with a sprained foot in the second quarter. Apsay finished with 128 yards and two TD passes, including one to Nelson Spruce. It was Spruce's 22nd scoring catch of his career, tying him with Scotty McKnight for most in school history.