Written by Paul Fritz
With only four games left in the season, the University of Colorado Buffalos are still looking for the missing puzzle piece that can make them a competitive force in the Pac-12. CU has had phases of success throughout the season whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. The problem is that these aspects of CU’s game rarely all click at the same time. When the defense holds the opponent to a field goal, the offense answers with a quick three and out. After CU running back Phillip Lindsay charges through linebackers and puts the Buffs in the red-zone, passes are overthrown in the end-zone or simply dropped. When the pass rush forces a dangerous pass, the secondary can’t make an interception.
Last week against Washington State, none of CU’s game plan was working at all, let alone together. The 28-0 manhandling the Buffs were handed should inspire them to re-evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their team so they can move forward putting the right people in the right spot.
The biggest question remains who will start at quarterback for CU. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Noyer came in to the game after quarterback Steven Montez was substituted out at half-time last week. CU head coach Mike MacIntyre mentioned that both players performed well in practice this week, which is why he won’t make the decision until prior to game-time. Whoever is starting for the Buffs will be relieved to an extent knowing that the California Golden Bears best defender, linebacker Devante Downs, was announced out for the rest of the season after an injury he sustained two weeks ago.
It is mentioned in every conversation leading up to the game that Lindsay will need to remain dominant on the ground. Given the lack of success CU has had in the passing game recently, this week will be no exception. The Buffs offense tends to roll a little sooner and faster when Lindsay makes a big-time run, and he is certainly capable of it. The CU offense has something to prove in this matchup when you consider how much teams have been able to score against Cal this season. The Bears are giving up an average of 28.4 points per game this season.
The Cal Bears are also 4-4 on the season and 1-4 in Pac-12 play, which will make for a close and competitive game. Kick-off will be at 12:00 PM MST on Saturday at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The weather is expected to be around 60 degrees and partly cloudy, with no chance of rain. This is the homecoming game for CU and it will be shown nationally on the Pac-12 Network and can be heard on KOA Radio.
Last week against Washington State, none of CU’s game plan was working at all, let alone together. The 28-0 manhandling the Buffs were handed should inspire them to re-evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their team so they can move forward putting the right people in the right spot.
The biggest question remains who will start at quarterback for CU. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Noyer came in to the game after quarterback Steven Montez was substituted out at half-time last week. CU head coach Mike MacIntyre mentioned that both players performed well in practice this week, which is why he won’t make the decision until prior to game-time. Whoever is starting for the Buffs will be relieved to an extent knowing that the California Golden Bears best defender, linebacker Devante Downs, was announced out for the rest of the season after an injury he sustained two weeks ago.
It is mentioned in every conversation leading up to the game that Lindsay will need to remain dominant on the ground. Given the lack of success CU has had in the passing game recently, this week will be no exception. The Buffs offense tends to roll a little sooner and faster when Lindsay makes a big-time run, and he is certainly capable of it. The CU offense has something to prove in this matchup when you consider how much teams have been able to score against Cal this season. The Bears are giving up an average of 28.4 points per game this season.
The Cal Bears are also 4-4 on the season and 1-4 in Pac-12 play, which will make for a close and competitive game. Kick-off will be at 12:00 PM MST on Saturday at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The weather is expected to be around 60 degrees and partly cloudy, with no chance of rain. This is the homecoming game for CU and it will be shown nationally on the Pac-12 Network and can be heard on KOA Radio.