When does a loss feel like a win? I’ll tell you - It’s when 54,000 members of the Buff Nation witness a furious comeback against the No. 8 team in the nation. The Buffs came up short against USC, falling 48-41, but did build some momentum for the rest of the season as the gauntlet of CU’s September schedule is finally behind us.

I am joined for this podcast by Neil Langland, and we will present our review of the USC game, using categories of Excellent, Satisfactory and Needs Improvement to sift through yet another exciting game in the first year of the Coach Prime era.

We will then turn our attention to the upcoming matchup in the desert against Arizona State. Our “T.I.P.S.” will take you through the categories of Talent, Intangibles, Preparation and Statistics, before giving you our predictions for the game against the Sun Devils.

So ... Will Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet, who had over 400 yards passing and three touchdowns against the Buffs in Boulder last fall, be able to duplicate his numbers against Coach Prime’s defense? ... Will the CU players be able to handle the afternoon heat of Tempe, with a forecast high at kickoff of 100-degrees? ... Will the Buffs find a way to play a solid first half, and not have to rely on a second half comeback - again? ... Will the Buffs take the positives from the USC game, and turn them into win No. 4 of the season? ...

Let’s find out ...