USC’s head coach praises Steven Montez before Trojans meet Colorado

USC head coach Clay Helton had high praise for Colorado quarterback Steven Montez ahead of their matchup this weekend.

“Offensively, I’ve been very impressed with Steven Montez, you know, his progression and his growth from two years ago when we first saw him in the Coliseum to where he is now,” said Helton.

Montez, a former standout at Del Valle High School, is tied for the lead in completion percentage nationwide. He’s posted a 75.2-percent completion percentage so far this season, matched only by Alabama quarterback and Heisman favorite Tua Tagovailoa. Montez has also thrown 11 touchdowns passes against just two picks through five games.

“He’s, I think, as good a decision-maker maybe as we have in our league right now,” said Helton.

Montez is 0-2 in his career against USC, but has performed well against the Trojans including a 376-yard, two-touchdown performance in the last meeting.

Colorado has never beaten USC in program history, entering Saturday’s game with an 0-12 record all-time.

But Montez may be able to change that, leading his 5-0 Buffaloes into the Coliseum for one of their toughest tests of the season so far.

The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. MT on FS1 Saturday. The Trojans were favored by seven points as of Thursday night.