BLOCK OF ROCK — Things get even more exciting for Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday when the Buffs host Baylor in their Big 12 opener at 6 p.m. at Folsom Field (Fox).
The 2-1 Buffs would no doubt love to compete for a spot in the Big 12 title game, and a win over the 2-1 Bears in their conference opener would be a great start to that endeavor.
Colorado comes into the game full of confidence and momentum after last weekend’s 28-9 win over rival Colorado State. The Buffs showed improvement in nearly every area on both sides of the ball and will look to continue that trend against BU.
But Baylor also had a big win, a 31-3 victory over Air Force. The Bears scored 28 unanswered points to secure the victory, including 25 points in the second half that decided a close game.
What the Bears haven’t seen this year is anything resembling the Buffs’ passing game. Baylor has limited its opponents to just 76 yards per game through the air, but its opponents have attempted just 46 passes through three games — a total the Buffs could well surpass themselves on Saturday.
Defensively, Colorado will see a balanced BU attack. The Bears average 167 yards per game on the ground and 214 yards in the air. But the Buffs defense is in top form, limiting their opponents to just nine points over the last six quarters.
So how do the Buffs make a successful debut in their return to the Big 12?
Our weekly Fast Five:
1. Continue the trend of defensive takeaways. After going 10 quarters last week without forcing a turnover, Colorado’s defense managed four second-half possessions — two interceptions and two fumbles. That was three in a row to start the second half as the Buffs systematically drove the Rams to the ropes.
The Bears certainly aren’t immune to turnovers. They’ve allowed four fumbles this year, including three in the first half last week against AFA, and have also thrown two interceptions.
The Buffs will need to force a few of those game-winning plays in the first half on Saturday. If they can do that, CU’s powerful offense will have a chance or two to score a quick point and give the sold-out crowd at Folsom Field plenty of momentum.
2. Continue to improve your running game. Colorado’s offense wasn’t overwhelming last week (109 yards on 19 attempts), but that 5.7 yards per attempt average was efficient and posed enough of a threat to keep CSU’s defense on its toes.
The Buffs need the same approach against the Bears, who give up an average of 155 yards per game on the ground. If Colorado can use the run game to move the posts early, Baylor will have to respect the run game.
This in turn opens up passing routes in the BU secondary, which brings us to …
3. Continue to distribute the ball in the air attackColorado’s passing game last week was a masterpiece using every weapon available. Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders Completed throws to 10 different players with four receivers catching at least four passes.
This makes life difficult for the opposing defense, especially when they are forced to respect the run or have to send additional defenders after the quarterback on obvious pass attempts.
As Baylor coach Dave Aranda said, “You can only double-cover so many people.”
Enter CU recipient Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard And LaJohntay Wester You have to like the option against single coverage and its chances.
If the Buffs get those opportunities on Saturday, they’ll likely take advantage of them.
4. Keep up the solid work in the trenches. There was a lot of talk last week about CU’s solid pass defense, and for good reason. The Buffs only allowed one quarterback sack and gave QB Sanders plenty of time to find open receivers. The O-line also provided good running routes for the backs.
But CU’s defensive line also put in a solid performance. The Rams managed 131 yards, but 62 of those came on a late-game run long after the outcome was decided. Otherwise, the Buffs kept CSU’s running game in check.
Meanwhile, the Buffs’ pass rush got going, collecting two sacks and helping force two interceptions.
If Colorado can again show such an effort in the trenches, the Buffs will be in control down the stretch.
5. Limit self-inflicted wounds. Colorado averages eight penalties per game, including twelve flags last week. CU has also struggled with field goals, converting only two of five attempts in its first three games.
But the Buffs have done a pretty good job of limiting turnovers so far, with just two interceptions and two fumbles in three games.
Now CU can’t afford any more unnecessary mistakes. With the margin for error becoming more critical in conference games, the Buffs need to make sure they don’t give the Bears easy opportunities to change momentum.
This means: good ball control, no unnecessary penalties and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.
If the Buffs can do that, they will celebrate their return to the Big 12 with a win.
