The CU Buffs are back home this week and are set to take on the Arizona Wildcats (2-2) in a must win game that can bring the Buffs to a 4-2 record. Off to a difficult start this season in Pac-12 competition, the Buffs will need to jump ahead early and often to avoid a third straight loss. CU’s first two defeats came against a couple of the toughest opponents they will face this season in a 6th ranked Washington and a high-powered UCLA offense led by Quarterback, Josh Rosen. Coming off their bye week, Arizona will be well rested and their offense, led by Brandon Dawkins, are eager to prove themselves after a frustrating loss to the University of Utah.
Although we have talked about the quality of CU’s receiving core in Shay Fields, Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo, and Jay MacIntyre, the offense needs to perform in all aspects. The four altogether have put together 83 receptions, 1045 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 12.6 yards per reception so far this season.
They need to keep the Wildcats off balance, which will be a difficult task considering they have only given up an average of 21.5 points per game this season. The best way for the Buffs to achieve this will be through Senior Running Back, Phillip Lindsay who is averaging 4.9 yards a carry with 5 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown. As long as the offense, led by Quarterback, Steven Montez, can be effective in the rushing game, the Wildcats defense will be forced to pay attention to Lindsay which will open up passing lanes for the experienced crew of wideouts.
Another important facet of this game will come down to whether the defense can remain dominant in the red-zone. The Buffs have only given up 5 touchdowns in the red-zone this season. However, the Wildcats have demonstrated tremendous efficiency with securing 13 touchdowns out of 16 red-zone opportunities. The Buffs will also have to fill in key secondary players in Safety, Afolabi Laguda, and Cornerback, Trey Udoffia, who both suffered injuries in last week’s game against UCLA.
The game will start tonight at 6:00 pm MST at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The game will be shown on the Pac-12 Network and can be heard on KOA Radio in Denver on channels 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
Although we have talked about the quality of CU’s receiving core in Shay Fields, Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo, and Jay MacIntyre, the offense needs to perform in all aspects. The four altogether have put together 83 receptions, 1045 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 12.6 yards per reception so far this season.
They need to keep the Wildcats off balance, which will be a difficult task considering they have only given up an average of 21.5 points per game this season. The best way for the Buffs to achieve this will be through Senior Running Back, Phillip Lindsay who is averaging 4.9 yards a carry with 5 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown. As long as the offense, led by Quarterback, Steven Montez, can be effective in the rushing game, the Wildcats defense will be forced to pay attention to Lindsay which will open up passing lanes for the experienced crew of wideouts.
Another important facet of this game will come down to whether the defense can remain dominant in the red-zone. The Buffs have only given up 5 touchdowns in the red-zone this season. However, the Wildcats have demonstrated tremendous efficiency with securing 13 touchdowns out of 16 red-zone opportunities. The Buffs will also have to fill in key secondary players in Safety, Afolabi Laguda, and Cornerback, Trey Udoffia, who both suffered injuries in last week’s game against UCLA.
The game will start tonight at 6:00 pm MST at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The game will be shown on the Pac-12 Network and can be heard on KOA Radio in Denver on channels 850 AM and 94.1 FM.