Both teams have been dominant over the first two weeks, and now it’s a prove-it game for both. Check out the Michigan vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Michigan vs. Colorado Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 17th
Game Time: 3:30 pm
Venue: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Network: BTN

Why Colorado Will Win

Has Colorado really turned a corner after so many problems and so little production under Mike McIntyre? It’s his fourth year, and if the first two games are any indication, everything he’s been building for is finally starting to work with his Buffs winning their first two games by a combined score of 100-14.

Fine, so Colorado State has issues and Idaho State sucks, but still, Colorado has cranked up the machine and the offense is working with two near-perfect performances.

Sefo Liufau is a senior leader and veteran who knows the offense, won’t have an issue dealing with the Big House atmosphere, and is in perfect tune with his attack hitting 75% of his throws with 120 rushing yards and a score. As amazing as Michigan has been so far, the run defense has been just okay, and now it’ll have to keep Liufau from taking off.

A rock so far, the veteran Colorado defense has been a killer behind the line with three sacks and ten tackles for loss – the linebacking corps has been flying around over the first two games. For the first time all year, Michigan QB Wilton Speight will be under pressure.

Why Michigan Will Win

Again, slow that Colorado roll in a big, big way considering the competition so far. The Buffs are absolutely better and they’re improved enough to provide a fight, but Michigan’s about to take control with a power style the Buff defensive front hasn’t seen so far in any way – this game is on the Wolverine O line.

13 different Michigan players have positive rushing yards so far – everyone’s getting a chance in the blowouts – taking all the heat off of Wilton Speight. He’s been hit a little bit, but he’s getting plenty of time to let the downfield plays develop, and he’s connecting completing 70% of his throws with seven scores and just one pick.

The scary part is that he’s only going to get better. There were a few misfires against UCF that he’s not going to miss as the season goes on.

Colorado hasn’t been screwing up so far, but Michigan has been air-tight, too, committing just five penalties with the lone turnover coming on the one bad Speight interception to get the Hawaii game going. The Buffs need a slew of Wolverine mistakes to pull this off, and they won’t get them.

What’s Going To Happen?

Boulder is nestled right between the mountains and reality – reality will hit hard in Ann Arbor.

Michigan hasn’t been perfect. The punting game needs to be better, and the run defense could be a wee bit tighter, but whatever – the Wolverines have been nearly perfect so far. Liufau, though, will have his moments, pushing the Michigan secondary around a bit for just enough big throws to keep the heat on, but there won’t be any drama.

This is a good Colorado team, but these aren’t the Kordell Stewart/Michael Westbrook Buffaloes. There won’t be any magic at the end.

Michigan vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score: Michigan 40, Colorado 17

Line: Michigan -20.5, o/u: COMING

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Vegas, Now – 1: Talk To Wife … 3

Must See Rating: 5: Hell or High Water – 1: This Is Us … 3

It wasn’t a dominant performance, but Michigan got the job done against Colorado. What are the 5 Things That Matter?

Michigan 45, Colorado 28: 5 Things That Matter

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The magnificent Mr. Peppers

Two carries for 24 yards, four punt returns for 99 yards, two kickoff returns for 55 yards, nine tackles, a sack, and 3.5 tackles for loss.

And a 54-yard punt return for a score didn’t hurt, either.

This was the Jabrill Peppers game when he showed off all the skills that make him – arguably – the best all-around player in college football. He might not have done much on offense, but whenever he had the ball in his hands as a returner, and whenever he roamed free with chances to make plays on defense, he changed the game.

When you can play like that and still win …

You’re pretty good. Michigan was awful to start things out giving up 21 points in the first quarter and only getting on the board after a blocked punt, but slowly the Wolverines get back in it with the running game taking over and with Wilton Speight settling down after a rough start.

It helped that the run defense held its own – allowing just 64 yards – and the D only allowed seven points after the first quarter, but this wasn’t Michigan’s sharpest overall performance.

It still won by 17.

Sefo Liufau was a gamer

He wasn’t quite right after hurting his foot, but Liufau did what he could to keep the Colorado offense going, taking hit after hit and hanging tough throwing for 246 yards and three scores.

The offense might have bogged down in the second half, but Liufau still came up with the 70-yard touchdown pass to Shay Fields to put the Buffs ahead for a little while. The Wolverines scored 21 unanswered points, but Liufau wasn’t helped by the running game while having to deal with the Michigan defensive pressure. If he can stay in one piece, he’ll help Colorado stick around in game after game.

Can Wilton Speight be better?

He got rocked early on with a big hit and a fumble, and he came up with a few big plays here and there, but Speight only completed 16-of-30 passes for 229 yards and a 45-yard scoring play to Amara Darboh. John O’Korn got a carry but didn’t throw a pass, and the ground game didn’t help the cause with just a few runs, but again, Michigan managed to win the game without playing its best – and with Speight not being razor sharp.

What Does This All REALLY Mean?

Colorado has to regroup in a hurry with a trip to Oregon up next, and a date at USC coming up after hosting Oregon State. The offense showed it can hang around and put up points, but it’ll have to start converting third downs after only hitting one of them.

Michigan never has a road game, getting Penn State and Wisconsin up next. It’ll finally have to face a real defense over the next few weeks, but if it gets by those two, it’s Rutgers and Illinois to follow. That means Michigan will be 7-0 going into Michigan State if it can beat the Nittany Lions and Badgers.

The Ducks and Buffs both failed in their Big Ten road games last week. Which one will bounce back? Check out the Oregon vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Oregon (2-1) vs. Colorado (2-1) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 24th
Game Time: 5:30 pm
Venue: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Network: Pac-12

Why Oregon Will Win

The past is the past and it doesn’t really matter when it comes to the 2016 teams, but in terms of streaks, Oregon has won six in a row over the Buffs ever since Joey Harrington got the job done in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl.

This year, Colorado is coming into Eugene short-handed, losing with QB Sefo Liufau hurting with an ankle problem. Losing a veteran linebacker for the year to a knee injury – Derek McCartney – is bad enough against the Oregon offense, but it’s uh-oh time if Liufau can’t go.

Steven Montez missed all seven of his throws against Michigan after Liufau went down.

This is an active and dangerous defense that put together two great games and a strong start against Michigan before the roof caved in, getting hit for enough big plays against the Wolverine stars – including Jabrill Peppers and his brilliant return for a score – to not be able to keep up the pace.

The Oregon running game has been solid averaging close to 300 yards per game, and if it can get rolling early, the Buffs won’t have an answer.

However …

Why Colorado Will Win

The Ducks have a problem of their own with star RB Royce Freeman suffering a knee injury against Nebraska, lightning-fast WR Devon Allen out for the year, and OT Tyrell Crosby done, too.

The machine will still work without them, but it just won’t be as well-oiled.

Even though Michigan eventually took over and turned the game into a rout, the Buff defense held its own with the defensive front winning its share of battles with three sacks and six tackles for loss.

Oregon will have its moments, but the attack bogged down against Nebraska and should have its moments where it stalls. That’s when Colorado has to take advantage.

The Buff running attack didn’t go anywhere against Michigan, but it should be smooth sailing against a porous Oregon defense that’s not up to its normal snuff. The linebackers are making way too many plays down the field, there isn’t enough happening behind the line to scare anyone, and if Colorado can stay with it, the openings will come.

As always, Oregon won’t have the ball. It’s keeping it for just over 25 minutes a game so far, while Colorado is grinding it out for over 33 minutes. The Duck D seemed to wear down against the Huskers, and that might be a problem against CU, too.

What’s Going To Happen?

Which team is actually good? Colorado threw about as much of a scare into Michigan as it could’ve considering it lost 45-28. The defense has been the real deal, and the offense has been terrific …

When Liufau is 100%.

Oregon won’t blow up and it won’t look the part of a possible Pac-12 champ, but it’ll be just effective enough to get by against a Buffalo passing game that won’t be able to keep up. The Ducks will win, but with some key parts of the O missing, it won’t be convincing.

Oregon vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score: Oregon 24, Colorado 16

Line: Oregon -10, o/u: 68.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Xmas in September – 1: Get out now … 1.5

Must See Rating: 5: The Magnificent Seven – 1: The Voice … 3.5

Check out the Colorado vs. Oregon State fearless prediction and game preview.

Colorado (3-1) vs. Oregon State (1-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 1
Game Time: 2:30 pm
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12 Network

All of a sudden, Colorado football is a thing again.

The Buffaloes hung around with Michigan for a while, but that seemed like a quirk aberration, and then they went into Oregon and ripped it up with a thrilling 41-38 win to show that they’re going to be a factor all season long.

This is what the program has been building for, and now it’s all starting to work offensively with an attack cranking out over 500 yards per game even without their leader at quarterback.

Sefo Liufau was out against the Ducks with a foot injury, and in stepped Steven Montez and everything kept on rolling with a fun offensive show and a clutch finish.

Meanwhile, Oregon State struggled at home against a Boise State team that might just be good enough to go 13-0, but is still a Mountain West squad that had to go to Corvallis.

The Beavers haven’t found their offensive groove, the run defense hasn’t worked yet like it should under Gary Andersen, and overall they look like they still have a long way to go.

The OSU secondary has been solid so far, but Colorado has shown it can move the ball however it needs to. At home, the Buffs aren’t going to give away the turnovers or commit the dumb penalties to help the Beavers, who’ll struggle to sustain drives long enough against a team that’s starting to do a little of everything right.

Colorado vs. Oregon State Prediction

Final Score: Colorado 34, Oregon State 17

Line: Colorado -18, o/u: 61

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Treasure Bath – 1: Nahhhh … 3.5

Must See Rating: 5: Nicki Minaj T-Mobile ads – 1: Storks … 2.5

Check out the USC vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

USC (2-3) vs. Colorado (4-1) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 8
Game Time: 4:00 pm
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Network: Pac-12

Why Colorado Will Win

The offense has been phenomenal, and it doesn’t seem to matter who or what kind of a defense it has to go against.

It was just fine against Michigan in the loss, and it blew through all things Oregon with stunning wins over Oregon and Oregon State to take the lead in the Pac-12 South race. But now we all get to see just how good the Buffs really are.

The defense has been a surprising rock, the passing game unstoppable no matter who’s at quarterback, and for the first time in a long time, there’s a genuine excitement.

This really is a team good enough to pull off a run to the South title, but as strong as the offense is, beating USC could come down to the D.

The Buff front seven has been a stunning rock, giving up just 700 rushing yards total in the five games and just over four yards per carry. While Oregon was able to hit a few home runs, and the Ducks and Michigan each ran for three touchdowns, the Colorado line is strong enough follow up a rough play with two stops – it’s been able to adjust fast.

USC’s ground game has been okay, but it’s been inconsistent. The offensive line hasn’t played quite up to expectations, and Colorado should be able to get into the backfield just enough to force Sam Darnold into tough third down situations.

Why USC Will Win

Sam Darnold is really good. So is Justin Davis. So is JuJu Smith-Schuster.

It’s as if USC finally decided that enough was enough, and it cranked up the talent against Arizona State last week with Darnold coming up with his second straight terrific game as the starter – he threw for 352 yards – while Davis hit the 120-yard mark for the second straight game, and Smith-Schuster had his first 123-yard receiving day of the year with three scores.

The machine appears to be getting revved up.

Yeah, Colorado can score on anyone, and the passing game is clicking at the highest level, but USC is more than equipped to keep up the pace, and last week proved it can turn it really can turn it loose.

Was the blowout over Arizona State the turning point? Are the Trojans now going to play like they’re supposed to? After that Utah loss, it seems like they’re ready to go on a run. So far they’re 2-0 at home averaging 43 points per game, and 0-3 on the road. Granted, those three games on the road are nasty, but …

What’s Going To Happen?

Being at home will matter to the Trojans. It’s an afternoon game with both teams coming out hot from the start. Both quarterbacks – Steven Montez is expected to get the call for the Buffs – will blow up with 300-yard days, but the Trojans will once again show off more weapons.

Watch out for the punting game. Colorado has one of the nation’s worst, while Adoree Jackson and company are tremendous on punt returns – the Trojans averaging over 25 yards per pop.

USC vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score: USC 41, Colorado 30

Line: USC -4.5, o/u: 64

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Served on a tee – 1: Not even with your $ … 4

Must See Rating: 5: Baldwin as Trump – 1: Masterminds … 3.5

Check out the Arizona State vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Arizona State (5-1) vs. Colorado (4-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 15
Game Time: 8:00 pm
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12

It’s not exactly a Pac-12 South elimination game, but it might be close.

Colorado continues to be the surprise of the Pac-12 season, even with the tight loss last week against USC. The offense is solid, the defense has been good enough, and the talent is in place to push for the South.

There’s one big problem, though – the schedule.

There’s not a layup the rest of the way, even with four of the final six games at home, and it has to take care of a solid Arizona State team that’s coming in with way too many injuries and way too many problems.

Starter Manny Wilkins missed the UCLA game with an ankle injury and is iffy this week, and No. 2 man Brady White is out for the season with a foot problem. That’s just the start of all the issues for an ASU team that’s losing depth across the board on defense.

Colorado knows all about quarterback issues, with Sefo Liufau just getting over an ankle injury, and with backup Steven Montez doing a nice job. Liufau saw time against the Trojans, couldn’t really move, and Montez took over again in the second half.

No matter who’s throwing it for the Buffs, the opportunity will be there for a massive game against the nation’s worst pass defense – the Sun Devils are getting lit up for over 400 passing yards per game.

Both teams are playing well enough to get the momentum going again after losses to the L.A. teams, but at home it’ll be Colorado who puts together the more complete performance – and with a ton of passing yards leading the way.

Arizona State vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score: Colorado 37, Arizona State 27

Line: Colorado -13.5, o/u: 60

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Cash machine – 1: British pound investing … 4

Must See Rating: 5: John Wick: Chapter Two – 1: Boo! A Madea Halloween … 4

Check out the Colorado vs. Stanford fearless prediction and game preview.

Colorado (5-2) vs. Stanford (4-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Game Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA
Network: Pac-12 Network

Stanford is still in the Pac-12 race, but it needs a whole lot of help. At the very least, even at 4-2, it’s still in the hunt for the Rose Bowl if Washington goes off to the College Football Playoff. But first, the Cardinal have to find more of an offense despite its star hurting, and they’ve got to show off just enough firepower to prove they can keep up with a real offense.

USC wasn’t the USC it is now when the two played back in mid-September, and Washington and Washington State exposed Stanford’s lack of a downfield passing game.

Colorado has the potential to do the same.

While Stanford is looking for a good bowl game, the Buffs are still deep in the hunt for the Pac-12 South championship with three of their last four games at home and the lone remaining road trip at Arizona.

Just when they started to struggle a bit with the loss at USC, they came back roaring against a hobbled Arizona State with the offense firing on all cylinders and the defense proving it could shut down just about anyone’s passing game.

But can Colorado get down, dirty and physical? It’s not a fair sample, but they couldn’t do much against the Michigan offense on the road when they got pounded on. Stanford has to at least give it a try.

The Cardinal have just five touchdown passes on the year, and most of the throws and completions are the dinking and dunking kind. They need to pound away with the running game no matter who’s in the backfield. Christian McCaffrey is supposedly better, but Bryce Love proved last week he could handle the workload, tearing off 129 yards in the win over Notre Dame.

But Colorado is the absolute real deal, and it’s about to show it again.

Sefo Liufau continues to be fantastic when he’s able to get on the field, hitting Arizona State hard for 265 yards on a 23-of-31 day. That, combined with the turnover issues – Stanford is unStanford-like ranking 112th in the nation in turnover margin – will be enough to get through the tough road game.

The Buffs won’t explode like Washington and Washington State did against the Cardinal, but the offense will be steady, balanced, and will get what it needs out of the defense to stay alive in the Pac-12 chase.

Colorado vs. Stanford Prediction

Final Score: Colorado 27, Stanford 23

Line: Stanford -2, o/u: 49.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Cash in the 401k – 1: Broke College Athlete: Anything Helps … 3

Must See Rating: 5: Phi Slama Jama – 1: Kevin Can Wait … 4

Check out the UCLA vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

UCLA (3-5) vs. Colorado (6-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 5
Game Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: FS1

Colorado is on top of the Pac-12 South standings as the only team in the division with one loss. It still has a ton of work to do, but three of the last four games are at home and the road game is winnable at Arizona.

The Buffs have won with high-octane offensive performances, and two weeks ago, they showed they could win with an uggo slugfest game in a 10-5 win over Stanford. But a win is a win is a win for the program that’s been a Pac-12 doormat from the moment it arrived.

But if Colorado is one of the biggest surprises in the Pac-12, UCLA has to join Oregon as one of the biggest disappointments losing three straight and four of the last five. And now, instead of being in the thick of the South title chase, the Bruins have to win three of their last four – Academic Progress Report aspect aside – just to go bowling.

And now their star is gone.

QB Josh Rosen’s shoulder injury has made a bad season far worse, taking away the main man for the rest of the season, just when they need him the most.

Not that backup Mike Fafaul hasn’t been bad – he threw 110 passes over the last two games with 464 yards and five scores against Utah, but he’s also given up eight interceptions over the last three games.

It’s a stretch to call UCLA a hard luck team, but it’s not generating its share of breaks in close loss after close loss. Good teams win the tight ones, but four of the five losses were by a touchdown or less, and the Stanford loss was by nine – but it was much closer than that until late.

UCLA has the pop and explosion to keep up in any sort of an offensive shootout, but Colorado is playing too well in all phases and should capitalize on Bruin mistakes in key moments.

UCLA is just good enough to keep this close and make it a fight, and it’s having just enough problems to not be able to pull off the upset it so desperately needs.

The Colorado magical season rolls on as the defensive front stuffs the nation’s worst running game, and the secondary picks off three passes to overcome another huge passing day from Fafaul.

UCLA vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score: Colorado 27, UCLA 23

Line: Colorado -13, o/u: 58

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: 101 mph Chapman – 1: 97 mph Chapman … 4

Must See Rating: 5: November 8th – 1: Inferno … 3

Check out the Colorado vs. Arizona fearless prediction and game preview.

Colorado (7-2) vs. Arizona (2-7) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 12
Game Time: 10:00 pm
Venue: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Network: FS1

Yeah, really. Colorado is in the College Football Playoff hunt.

No. 12 in the latest rankings, the Buffs are on a three-game winning streak with acceptable losses on the road at Michigan and USC, and now they have to get past their final road game of the year.

With Washington State and Utah to close things out at home, it’s a tough final stretch, but that’s going to be a positive. With the harder games, and then assuming a Pac-12 championship against Washington, yeah, they really might be four wins away from – Colorado fans are loving even the mention of this – being in the playoff.

And then there’s Arizona, who’s just trying to get this thing over with.

The Wildcats have been destroyed by injuries, leading to a boring offense that can’t put points on the board – and it’s getting worse.

Ever since scoring 47 in a win over Hawaii in mid-September, Arizona has scored fewer points in each game after, going down to 28, 24, 23, 14, 10 and then last week against Washington State, seven. All six of those games were losses, and in each one the situation is getting worse and worse.

So does that mean the Buffs could hold the Cats to six points? Three? Shut them out?

Yeah, maybe.

Colorado’s defense has been incredible, allowing fewer than 300 yards per game and giving up ten points or fewer five times and doing a wonderful job in all phases. Over the last three games, the Buff D has given up just 168 total yards on the ground and hasn’t given up a touchdown run in any of the last five games.

Expect more of the same.

Arizona isn’t just going to just find its groove all of a sudden, and it’s not going to start to explode to keep up after the Colorado offense does what it needs to. The Buffs have sputtered just a bit offensively at times over the last month, but they’ll throw at will to put this away early.

Colorado vs. Arizona Prediction

Final Score

Colorado 37, Arizona 10

Line

Colorado -16, o/u: 57.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Cash in mattress – 1: All political pollsters … 4

Must See Rating: 5: Arrival* – 1: Any political show ever again … 2.5
*To be honest, it looks like yet another brutally dull sci-fi thing, but it’s 100%, so you’re supposed to see it or else.

Check out the Washington State vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Washington State (8-2) vs. Colorado (8-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 19
Game Time: 3:30 pm
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: FOX

USC will have its Washington State pom-poms out.

Unless Washington loses to Arizona State, this game doesn’t matter for Wazzu. If the Huskies lose, the Cougars are in the Pac-12 championship win a win. However, if UW wins, next week’s Apple Cup will be for the North.

The South is a little messier. If Washington State beats Colorado and USC wins out, USC would be in the Pac-12 championship if Utah loses one of its last two games against either Oregon of Colorado.

Got all that?

Basically, Colorado desperately needs this, and Washington State doesn’t.

That doesn’t mean the Pac-12’s only unbeaten team in conference play – Wazzu – isn’t going to go full-throttle, but there’s no real pressure. That’s a nice place to be in for a team that’s hung up 125 points on the board over the last two weeks and is on an eight-game winning streak.

The O might continue to shine, but it’s the defense that’s making the big difference, doing a fantastic job against the run and coming up with enough takeaways to make up for any issues. There might have been some close shaves along the way over the last few months, but the team is battle-tested – it’s seen it all.

Colorado hasn’t been the offensive juggernaut it was earlier in the season, but it’s on a four-game winning streak with the only two losses along the way coming to Michigan and USC on the road – the team’s been the real deal on both sides of the ball.

While the offense has been balanced and effective, like Washington State, the key to the overall improvement has been a defense that’s been a rock in all phases, highlighted by the fourth-most efficient pass defense in America.

Both teams own the turnover margin, both teams are getting great play out of the lines, and both teams have figured out how to beat the mediocre teams on the slate.

However, Colorado’s best win so far came against Stanford – the only win so far against a team certain to go bowling – while Washington State’s lone win so far against a sure-thing bowl-bound team? Stanford.

There’s a prove-it factor for both. Colorado has the better defense, but Washington State’s offense has the passing attack to pull this off. The Cougars will get yet another big day out of Luke Falk – who’s thrown 18 touchdowns with just one pick over the last four games – in a thriller that’ll go down to the final possession.

Washington State vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Washington State 38, Colorado 34

Line

Colorado -4.5, o/u: 60.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Taco Bell Cinnabon Delights – 1: Chinese yuan … 2.5

Must See Rating: 5: Office Christmas Party – 1: Harry … 4

Check out the Utah vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Utah vs. Colorado Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Nov. 26
Game Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: FOX

Bowl and Conference Implications

Colorado will win the South and be off to the Pac-12 Championship with a win. Utah will finish third in the South no matter what, but is already bowl eligible.

What’s Going To Happen?

Yeah, Colorado is still alive for the College Football Playoff.

It would take a whole bunch of quirky things to make it happen, but the Buffaloes could at least throw their hat into the ring if they win this week, win the Pac-12 title, and then pray for the best.

They’d have an interesting case, especially if Michigan wins the Big Ten championship.

Colorado keeps getting underestimated, and it keeps coming through, going on a five-game winning streak since losing a tight battle at USC. Now, with one win over Utah, the Leicester City of the Pac-12 could be right there with a shot at pulling off something truly amazing.

And it’s no fluke.

The defense has been an impressive rock, holding its own against Washington State last week, stopping a dangerous UCLA, and allowing 24 points or fewer against everyone over the last seven games. Meanwhile, the offense has been balanced, dangerous, and ultra-efficient, highlighted by a brilliant year from senior QB Sefo Liufau, who came back from getting hurt earlier in the year to get better and better.

Last week, it was supposed to be Luke Falk’s game, but instead, it was Liufau who rocked Wazzu for 345 yards in a brilliant performance.

But now he and Colorado have to deal with a Utah defense that gives up yards, but seems to be able to make up for it with key takeaways and big drives from the offense.

At least it did, and then it plotzed against Oregon last week.

With everything on the line, the Ducks managed to give away any shot at the Pac-12 title with a puzzling defeat at home to a bad Oregon team, and now it’s up to the secondary to show up.

The Utes have allowed 300 yards or more through the air in five of the last seven games, and was torched over the last two games. The difference and the problem against the Ducks? No picks.

Utah has come up with an interception in every game but two – USC and Oregon. This week, it has to make up for the deficiencies on turnover margin, but Colorado is 15th the nation in turnover margin.

Can Utah crank up the pass rush to a whole other level? Can it get Joe Williams to take over the game against a run defense that’s allowed three touchdowns in seven games, and all three of those by Arizona?

Yes and yes, and it’s not going to matter.

Utah will play well, but Colorado will be air-tight. At home and with everything on the line, the Buffs aren’t going to blow it. The defense will keep Williams from going off, while the running game will come up with a big performance against a Ute defense that’s missing some key linebackers.

Sorry, USC.

Utah vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Colorado 31, Utah 24

Line

Colorado -10, o/u: 53.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Store bought anything – 1: Homemade anything … 3

Must See Rating: 5: NFL kickers attempting extra points – 1: Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love … 4.5

Pac-12 Championship: Washington (11-1) vs. Colorado (10-2) Game Preview

Check out the Pac-12 Championship: Washington vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.

Pac-12 Championship: Washington (11-1) vs. Colorado (10-2) Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Friday, December 2
Game Time: 9:00 pm
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Network: FOX

Bowl and Conference Implications

While it’s not a sure thing, Washington – No. 4 in the second-to-last CFP rankings – should be in the playoff with a win. At the very worst, it’ll be in the Rose Bowl with a loss. Colorado would need a miracle to get into the College Football Playoff, but it would be in the Rose Bowl with a win, and there’s a chance to still get to Pasadena with a loss and a good showing. At No. 8 and USC No. 11, the Buffs can’t drop too far, otherwise they’d likely be off to the Alamo Bowl.

What Does Each Team Need To Do?

The two teams are about as dead even as it gets. The one big difference? Colorado played Michigan and is on the outside of the College Football Playoff looking in, while Washington got Rutgers in its Big Ten matchup.

Both teams have been phenomenal stories with plenty of energy coming from the two fan bases, setting up what could and should be the best Pac-12 Championship yet, especially with playoff implications.

For the Huskies to take advantage of them, they’ve got to figure out how to crack the code of the Colorado defense.

The Buffaloes might have an efficient and balanced offense, but they’re in Santa Clara because of a defense that held down Washington State when it had to, while coming through clutch time and again against everyone but Michigan in the second half.

The pass rush is just okay, but the D doesn’t miss open-field stops and the secondary has been swarming, especially late allowing Arizona, Washington State and Utah to combine to hit fewer than half their passes, while allowing under 50% completion percentage in four of the last six games and seven times this year with 15 picks and allowing 13 scores.

They’ll give up yards, but other than the loss to USC, they don’t give up big plays. Washington’s offense lives on big plays.

Fourth in the nation in passing efficiency defense, now the Buffs have to face the nation’s second-most efficient passing game and one of the hottest quarterbacks in college football.

Jake Browning had a spotty few games against USC and Arizona State – throwing four of his seven picks on the year – and blew that off with a brilliant performance against Wazzu last week, roaring though the Apple Cup with a 292-yard, three-score day averaging over ten yards per throw.

Against Colorado, Browning and the offense have to be a little bit patient, and they have to try getting physical from the start. That’s easier than it sounds against a Colorado defensive front that held up more than fine against Michigan, USC and Utah – the Buffs don’t get bowled over.

But while Browning vs. the Colorado D might be the main matchup, this could be Sefo Liufau’s moment for the Buffalo O. With just three picks on the year – two of them coming in the win over UCLA – Liufau doesn’t make a whole slew of mistakes, but he doesn’t carry the offense, either. His job is to keep the chains moving and take what’s there hitting third down play after third down play.

Both teams dominate defensively, both teams are ultra-efficient offensively, both teams crush the turnover margin – Washington is first in the nation, Colorado eighth – and both teams struggle to crank up the big punting yards.

If it sounds like this is a dead-even Pac-12 title game, yeah, it is.

What’s Going To Happen?

There have been five of these things so far with this the first time without Oregon or Stanford. Four of those first five were awful, and the one decent one – Stanford over Arizona 27-24 for the 2012 championship – didn’t really have much of a national impact.

This one will.

Colorado is being nationally dismissed because it’s Colorado, and no one saw this coming, but it’s the 100% real deal. Washington is, too, but again, if the schedules were flipped and the Huskies played in Ann Arbor and the Buffs hosted the Scarlet Knights, the script would be flipped.

Both teams are brilliant, and both teams are alike in so many ways, but the Washington offensive line is a bit stronger, the pass rush better, and the defense as a whole is better at getting into the backfield.

Washington also has PK Cameron Van Winkle, who’s hit 14-of-18 field goals with just one miss since September, while Colorado’s kicking game is a wee bit shakier.

It’ll be just that close to come down to a big kick, and Washington will get it.

Pac-12 Championship: Washington vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Washington 24, Colorado 20

Line

Washington -7.5, o/u: 58.5

– Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5: Mitt Romney – 1: Rudy Guiliani … 2.5

Must See Rating: 5: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – 1: CMA Country Christmas 2016 … 5

Pac-12 Championship: Washington 41, Colorado 10. What Does It All Mean?

Washington wiped out Colorado 41-10 to win the Pac-12 Championship. Does this mean the Huskies are in the College Football Playoff? What does it all mean?

Contact @PeteFiutak

That’s the College Football Playoff statement Washington needed to make

The overall resume might not be fantastic, and there might be arguments to make for Ohio State, Michigan, and/or the Big Ten champion to get in over the Huskies, but that was before the total domination of the No. 8 team in the country.

If recent history is any guide, the committee likes teams coming into games on a hot streak, and now the Dawgs have won three in a row in big-time fashion ever since the loss to USC, beating Arizona State, arch-rival Washington State on the road, and now Colorado in the conference title game by a combined score of 130-45.

Give this one to the Washington offensive line

It wasn’t the greatest of games from Jake Browning – he completed just 9-of-24 passes for 118 yards and two scores – but it didn’t need to be. The Washington line pounded and pounded some more as the Huskies managed to grind out 265 punishing yards on the ground with Myles Gaskin running for 159 of them and Lavon Coleman coming up with 101 yards and a score on 18 carries. The ball control game worked perfectly, with Washington holding on to the ball for over 38 minutes and never letting it become a game after the first half.

Sefo Liufau gave it a shot

Liufau took off on one big run early, but suffered an ankle injury and wasn’t right the rest of the way. He missed the rest of the first half, came back out in the second, but it was a disaster, finishing completing just 3-of-13 passes for 21 yards and three interceptions as the Washington D clamped down and turned the game into a rout. The Buffs came up with one great drive in the first quarter after Liufau came out – Steven Montez marched the team down the field, leading to a Phillip Lindsay scoring run – but that was it.

The Washington D was the Washington D

Colorado came into the game with a solid, balanced attack averaging 470 yards per game and doing just about everything right all year. Even in the games when the offense didn’t work, the defense picked up the slack – the team managed to find ways to win.

But the Washington defense ended all of that, coming up with picks, third down stops, and making it impossible for anyone of the Buffs to break free with constant pressure up front, and swarming plays time and again whenever anyone had a sliver of daylight.

At the very least, it looked like a defensive performance to provide hope that if the Huskies really get into the CFP, yeah, they should be able to hang with anyone if they perform like this. The defense really can take over when needed – just like it was supposed to.

Who’s going to win the 2016 Valero Alamo Bowl? Check out the Colorado vs. Oklahoma State prediction, game preview, history and scores.

Valero Alamo Bowl, Colorado vs. Oklahoma State Prediction, Game Preview, History, Scores

Prediction & Game Preview To Come

Alamodome, San Antonio, TX, 9:00 ET, ESPN

Colorado, Pac-12, 10-3

The Buffaloes might be disappointing to miss out on the College Football Playoff and the Rose Bowl – at least the hope of the CFP – after getting blasted by Washington in the Pac-12 Championship, but they’re playing with house money. All year long, this has been a steady, solid team on both sides of the ball with a great offensive balance and a killer defense that allowed just 328 yards per game. They lost their three really big games against Michigan, USC and Washington, and now there’s a prove-it factor. Get to 11 wins, and all of a sudden, the season won’t seem like a fluke.

Oklahoma State, Big 12, 9-3

Known mostly for the loss to Central Michigan on an epic Hail Mary, the Cowboys have been just good enough to have been in the College Football Playoff chase – albeit in an outside way – up until the final week. Explosive, athletic, and dangerous enough to turn the lights out on any team that doesn’t bring the A game, they’re fun.

– Bowl game info and where to buy tickets

Alamo Bowl History, Results

Jan. 2, 2016 TCU 47 Oregon 41 (3 OT)
Jan. 2, 2015 UCLA 40 Kansas State 35
Dec. 30, 2013 Oregon 30 Texas 7
Dec. 29, 2012 Texas 31 Oregon State 27
Dec. 29, 2011 Baylor 67 Washington 57
Dec. 29, 2010 Oklahoma State 36 Arizona 10
Jan. 2, 2010 Texas Tech 41 Michigan State 31
Dec. 29, 2008 Missouri 30 Northwestern 23 (OT)
Dec. 30, 2007 Penn State 24 Texas A&M 17
Dec. 30, 2006 Texas 26 Iowa 24
Dec. 28, 2005 Nebraska 32 Michigan 28
Dec. 29, 2004 Ohio State 33 Oklahoma State 7
Dec. 29, 2003 Nebraska 17 Michigan State 3
Dec. 28, 2002 Wisconsin 31 Colorado 28
Dec. 29, 2001 Iowa 19 Texas Tech 16
Dec. 30, 2000 Nebraska 66 Northwestern 17
Dec. 28, 1999 Penn State 24 Texas A&M 0
Dec. 29, 1998 Purdue 37 Kansas State 34
Dec. 30, 1997 Purdue 33 Oklahoma State 20
Dec. 29, 1996 Iowa 27 Texas Tech 0
Dec. 28, 1995 Texas A&M 22 Michigan 20
Dec. 31, 1994 Washington State 10 Baylor 3
Dec. 31, 1993 California 37 Iowa 3

2017 Colorado Buffaloes Recruiting & National Signing Day Class Breakdown

The 2017 Colorado Buffaloes Recruiting Class. The basic overview of the class, the best area of strength, what you need to know if you don’t care about recruiting, the star, and the depth chart hole going into the season.

Contact @PeteFiutak

Class to be updated and adjusted on Signing Day, Wednesday, February 1

Colorado Buffaloes Recruiting Class Overview

Can Mike MacIntyre capitalize on the shocking success of the 2016 season? Last year’s recruiting class was relatively small with 19 prospects being brought in, leading to a bigger, more diverse haul this year with a lot more star power. The losses on the defensive side – and there are huge ones – should be helped a wee bit with JUCO transfer DT Javier Edwards and CB Dante Wigley, but the offense got the best prospects for the future. It’ll be one of the best Buff classes in a long, long time.

The Colorado Buffaloes Class Is Heavy On …

Defensive linemen. The Buffs loaded up for the secondary – an area of need with holes to fill right away – and the receiving corps is getting plenty of help, but it’s the defensive front that’s getting the biggest boost with great-sized athletes for the end with a national class coming in. Three defensive end prospects are from Florida, and two are from California in a great haul.

The Star of the Colorado Buffaloes Class Is …

OT Jake Moretti, 6-5, 290, Arvada, CO – Ohio State was the program right there with a chance for the big blocker on the outside, but the other Big Ten big boys, key SEC teams, and Pac-12ers were in the mix, too. A true left tackle, he’s already got the right size and right frame, but his biggest strength is his movement – he can handle speed rushers without a problem. After a year in a college weight room, look out.

The Colorado Buffaloes Biggest 2017 Depth Chart Hole Is …

Cornerback. There are several massive holes to fill at defensive tackle and linebacker, but the secondary takes the biggest hit. Tedric Thompson was a special playmaker last year at one safety spot, while corners Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon are done. In all, 11 of the 15 interceptions from last year are gone.

2017 Pac-12 Recruiting & National Signing Day Class Rankings

How did the Pac-12 teams stack up with their respective recruiting classes? Who had the strongest-looking haul of talent, and who struggled a bit? They’re the Pac-12 recruiting rankings.

Contact @PeteFiutak

2017 Pac-12 Recruiting Class Rankings

Yeah, it’s absurd to rank recruiting classes, considering we won’t know if any of them are any good for a few years, but here’s the best guess. Who did the best job this recruiting and National Signing Day season? So what’s the criteria?

1) Bulk. Recruiting is a contact sport. Getting two five-star guys might be nice, but as history has proven, getting eight four-star players is probably better. The more good prospects, the more chances that a few of them can play.

2) Superstars. Okay, talent matters, too. Who got the most really, really good guys that everyone else wanted?

3) Who loaded up in key areas for what the program needs? Again, chances are that the more prospects you sign, the more opportunities will be there to find real players. So, in general, the big classes are going to get ranked a lot higher than the smaller ones, especially if the prospects fit the team’s profile.

The goal here is to get it close to the pin.

12. California Golden Bears

New head coach Justin Wilcox didn’t get any time to work. He was able to bring in several good, versatile players for the passing game, secondary, wherever the Bears need a few good athletes. Are there enough defenders to do what Wilcox will want? That’s what the 2018 recruiting class is for.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

11. Oregon State Beavers

The Gary Andersen recruiting world is starting to hit its stride. While he’s about a tough defense and a good, strong running game, this year he and his staff cranked up the receiving corps, to go along with several options for the defensive backfield, too. The versatility is there play around with the puzzle parts for the next few years.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

10. Arizona Wildcats

It’s a big class for Rich Rodriguez on the defensive side, and it’s one for the future of the program. With almost no JUCO transfers coming in, this year’s haul – combined with the 2016 class – should be strong enough to start building back up a defense that was decimated by injuries.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

9. Arizona State Sun Devils

It’s probably not going to get a whole lot of national love, but this is a nice class for the near future. Getting former Alabama QB Blake Barnett alone was a good snag to add to the equation, but he’s hardly the only big signing. The tight ends coming in are excellent, and the running backs should be productive sooner than later.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

8. Washington State Cougars

Mike Leach was able to get more star power than normal. Usually he recruits to a type, and he gets the guys who either fit his offensive system, or weren’t wanted by anyone else. This year, though, he hit a few home runs with Anthony White a big-time receiver prospect, Connor Neville a solid quarterback prospect, and a few excellent options for the defensive front.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

7. Utah Utes

National Signing Day saved the class. This wasn’t looking like any big deal of a recruiting season, and then came a massive get in WR Bryan Thompson and offensive linemen Mo Unutoa and Nick Ford to give the Utes two big blockers for the near future. Throw in the DEs from Hawaii – Miki Suguturaga and Aliki Vimahi – and all of a sudden, things are different.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

6. Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffs are about the bulk. Coming off the big season and the trip to the Pac-12 Championship, Colorado loaded up with five JUCO transfers, along with a slew of key defensive backs to potentially help out a depleted secondary. There might not be a whole slew of high-end talents compared to the other top Pac-12 teams, but there are several very good ones.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

5. Stanford Cardinal

Last year’s class was about the bulk talent coming in. This year, head coach David Shaw was able to shopping in the high-rent district. Because the program has been so strong at cranking up the next-level offensive linemen, in come the NFL tackle prospects. It’s not right to look at recruiting classes this way, but Stanford just got a slew of future All-Pac-12 talents.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

4. Oregon Ducks

Give new head coach Willie Taggart a full year to show what he can do. He hit the ground running and has been going hard after some of the bigger stars, and he came up with a strong late run to boost up the class. The defensive tackles are the top parts of this show, but next year the offensive stars will roll in. As is, it’s a fantastic haul considering the late start.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

3. UCLA Bruins

Recruiting still isn’t an issue for the Bruins under Jim Mora Jr. The talent came in by the truckload last year, and this year’s class has several high-end prospects with the defensive side getting a whole bunch of help – especially for the secondary. Now the coaching staff has to do something with it all.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

2. Washington Huskies

It’s way too simplistic to suggest that the Pac-12 title success and the trip to the College Football Playoff made a difference – that’ll all matter for next year’s class. However, Chris Petersen and company were able to get a ton of upper-end stars, even if he didn’t the superstar prospects. It might be his best class yet.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

1. USC Trojans

One National Signing Day later, and USC looks back to being USC again after ladning LB Levi Jones, DT Jay Tufele, OT Austin Jackson and WRs Joseph Lewis and Greg Johnson for a jaw-dropping array of stars coming in late in teh process. The foundation for three years from now is being set on the lines, while the depth is coming in for several key spots.
– 2017 Recruiting Class Breakdown
– 2016 Recruiting Class Breakdown

2017 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule & Analysis

Breaking down and analyzing the 2017 Colorado Buffaloes football schedule

– 2017 Pac-12 Composite & Week-By-Week Schedule

2017 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule Realistic Best Case Scenario

The Buffs pick up here they left off against Colorado State last season after the blowout win, and then come the wipeouts of Texas State and Northern Colorado for a solid start. They split with Washington and UCLA, and survive the stretch of three road games in four weeks with wins over Oregon State and Washington State. 8-2, they pitch a gem at home against USC, and use the week off to prepare for Utah on the way to a ten-win regular season and a trip back to the Pac-12 Championship.

2017 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule Realistic Worst Case Scenario

The dangerous Colorado State offense rolls in the rivalry opener, and then the team can’t get by either Washington or UCLA on the way to a 2-3 start. The road stretch stinks losing to Oregon State to kick it all off, and not being able to get by Washington State or Arizona State away from Boulder. Losses to USC and Utah make a stepback 6-6 season.

2017 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule

Sep. 1 Colorado State (in Denver)

Sep. 9 Texas State

Sep. 16 Northern Colorado

Sep. 23 Washington

Sep. 30 at UCLA

Oct. 7 Arizona

Oct. 14 at Oregon State

Oct. 21 at Washington State

Oct. 28 California

Nov. 4 at Arizona State

Nov. 11 USC

Nov. 18 OPEN DATE

Nov. 25 at Utah

2017 Prespring Rankings: No. 41 Colorado Buffaloes

The 2017 prespring college football rankings, taking the first look at the Colorado Buffaloes

Contact @PeteFiutak

No. 41: Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado Buffaloes Prespring Status

It was the biggest shocker of the 2016 season as Colorado went from Pac-12 doormat to the conference title game, but it all crashed with a thud. Forget for a moment that the Buffs only had a few nice wins and lost to USC, 10-4 was a special run considering how bad they’ve been since joining the conference. But they lost to Washington and Oklahoma State by a combined score of 79-18 to close out the year, couldn’t get the offense going against the better teams – except for, maybe, Washington State – and now have to prove it all over again.

QB Sefo Liufau might be gone, but most of the other key parts of the offense are back. Eight starters return on O, including almost everyone who did something meaningful for the passing game. However …

Colorado Buffaloes Biggest Issue

The defense that was so fantastic in the run to the Pac-12 South title has to all but start over. The defensive front three needs three new starters, two of the four starting linebackers are done, and three starters are gone in the secondary including star Tedric Thompson at one safety spot and both corners Chidobe Awizie and Ahkello Witherspoon. Eight of the top 12 tacklers, 11 of the 15 interceptions, and 25.5 of the 36 sacks have to be replaced.

Colorado Buffaloes Biggest Positive

286 of last year’s 289 receptions are back, including Shay Fields, Devin Ross, and everyone who caught more than one pass. This was a big play, efficient passing game that should be terrific again, going along with the returning 1,252 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground from Phillip Lindsay. It doesn’t help to lose Liufau, but Steven Montez occasionally filled in and was fine, hitting 59% of his passes with nine scores and just five picks.

Really, Why Are The Colorado Buffaloes Ranked Here?

That was great – now do it again. The offense should be able to hang around with just about anyone, but there are way, way too many key losses from the nation’s 19th-ranked defense to expect the same results. The D might not drop off the map to get back to 2014 and 2015 levels – the 2016 defense improved by over 100 yards from the one two years go – but it’s asking for way too much to be as good.

Preview 2017: Was Colorado actually good last year, or was the Pac-12 down?

Colorado came up with a fantastic breakthrough season, but was it all a mirage?

Contact @PeteFiutak

– 2017 Colorado Preview & What You Need To Know
– 2017 Colorado Schedule Analysis
– Colorado Previews: 2016 | 2015

Is Colorado actually good again at this whole college football thing, or did it rise up and rock in a mediocre year for the Pac-12?

There’s no apologizing for a 10-5 win at Stanford, or a blowout win over Colorado State, or against a Washington State team that wasn’t as good as its offensive numbers, or a Utah team that was just okay.

It’s not the Buffs’ fault that UCLA and Arizona were crushed by injuries, or that Oregon was awful.

Colorado did what it needed to do. For a program that’s been little more than a free-space time since joining the Pac-12, who cares how it happened? Chirp all you want about USC being the league’s best team at the end of the year. Colorado represented the South in the Pac-12 title game, and you didn’t.

There’s no shame in losing to Michigan in Ann Arbor, or USC in LA, or Washington in the Pac-12 Championship, but this is the season that needs to show that Colorado is potentially capable of winning those games against the big teams.

Yeah, getting roasted by Oklahoma State in the bowl game wasn’t a plus, but it was the first bowl appearance since 2007 and the first winning season since 2005. If you told Buff fans before last season that their team would be playing in a major post-season game, they’d have taken it no matter what.

Now it’s up to head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff to follow it up with another solid campaign to prove that it’s all for real and there’s hope for more big seasons and more runs for division titles. 2016 can’t be a one-off – and it probably won’t be.

The defense loses way too many important parts to be the killer it was at times last season, but even with just three starters back, and the depth a gigantic problem, there’s just enough talent and experience to be okay.

Will the D shut down the USCs and Washingtons on the schedule? No, but the offense should be better equipped to keep up in shootouts.

Losing a quarterback like Sefo Liufau is never a plus, but Steven Montez has more talent and upside – he’ll bomb away with a loaded receiving corps to help him out.

The O line is full of veterans, and Phillip Lindsay is one of the nation’s best all-around backs. If Colorado has to win more 41-38 games, so what? All that matters is that those wins keep on coming.

And if the rest of the Pac-12 just so happens to struggle again, that’s fine, too.

– 2017 Colorado Preview & What You Need To Know
– 2017 Colorado Schedule Analysis
– Colorado Previews: 2016 | 2015

Preview 2017: Colorado Buffaloes

Previewing and looking ahead at the Colorado season – and what you need to know.

Contact @PeteFiutak

– 2017 Colorado Preview: Were Buffs Good, Or Pac-12 Bad?
– 2017 Colorado Schedule Analysis
– Colorado Previews: 2016 | 2015

What You Need To Know About The Colorado Offense

The offense that was so balanced and so effective throughout last year managed to do what was needed throughout the season – at least until the final two games – rising up time and again on the way to the Pac-12 title game. But now it could be even better if a few key parts come through.

Phillip Lindsay returns as the all-around back the offense can work around when needed, with a few good-looking options behind him. Trying to pave the way is a line that allowed too many sacks and didn’t exactly blast away for the ground attack, but comes back experienced and stronger with four starters back around star left tackle Jeromy Irwin.

The real gem should be the passing game – if Steven Montez comes through with a consistent season. Thrown to the wolves for a stretch, the young quarterback put up big numbers to keep the season going when Sefo Liufau went down. With the top nine pass catchers back, the Buffs will bomb away.

Biggest Key To The Colorado Offense

It has to keep the chains moving. The rushing attack had a lot to do with that against the better defenses – more on that in a moment – but Colorado managed to win games by taking control of the clock and the tempo.

When the O owned third downs, forget about it. There’s explosion in the Buff attack, but when it converted just 1-of-13 third down tries against Michigan, and 4-of-15 against Washington, everything bogged down. This isn’t the type of offense that wants to bomb its way out of trouble – but it’s geared to do that a bit more this year.

What You Need To Know About The Colorado Defense

Absolutely brilliant, the defense was a rock in the secondary and tough up front, finishing 19th in the nation in overall D while allowing just 21.7 points per game. There might be a ton of work to do after losing most of the key parts, but the drop-off shouldn’t be too massive.

The secondary is the biggest issue after losing three all-star caliber playmakers to the nation’s fifth-most efficient pass defense. Afolabi Laguda returns, though, at one safety spot, and there’s hope for the replacements to fill in fast, starting with special teams star Ryan Moeller at safety and Isaiah Oliver a good one at one of the corner gigs.

Rick Gamboa is a tackling machine middle linebacker inside the 3-4, but with the early retirement of Addison Gillam, eight of the top 11 tacklers are gone. The line has undergo an overhaul, but Leo Jackson should be a solid at one end.

Biggest Key To The Colorado Defense

The secondary has to come up with the same big plays last year’s did. Tedric Thompson was a ball-hawker of a safety, coming up with seven interceptions for a secondary that picked off 15 passes and was all over the field.

Afolabi Laguda is back after finishing third on the team in tackles, but Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon will be missed on the corners. With Colorado State ready to bomb away in the opener, and Washington’s Jake Browning and UCLA’s Josh Rosen to deal with before the end of September, the defensive backs have to rock.

Colorado Will Be Far Better If …

The ground game always works. It wasn’t a hard formula last year. When the Colorado rushing attack was rolling, everything else seemed to work. When it struglged, the offense stalled. Shock of shocks, when CU went against the great run defenses, there was a problem, going 0-4 when rushing for under 100 yards, and 9-0 when going over.

How much does this matter? Going back to 2013, Colorado is 0-for-its-last-13 when going under the century mark, and it’s 0-40 against FBS teams since 2008 – and 2-40 overall – when not hitting 100.

Best Colorado Offensive Player

RB Phillip Lindsay, Sr. – While he’s only 5-8 and 190 pounds, he’s a tough runner who turned into one of the Pac-12’s best all-around backs. While he’s got the flash – he returned a kickoff 74 yards and averaged over five yards per carry – he became a workhorse at times finishing with 1,252 yards and 16 scores, highlighted by a 219-yard, three score day against Arizona State. With great hands, he caught 53 passes – with 11 in the win over UCLA – for 493 yards. He can do it all.

2. OT Jeromy Irwin, Sr.
3. WR Shay Fields, Sr.
4. QB Stephen Montez, Soph.
5. WR Devin Ross, Sr.

Best Colorado Defensive Player

LB Rick Gamboa, Jr. – The team’s leading returning tackler has more pressure on him to shine in the middle with Addison Gilliam retiring. The 6-0, 230-pounder is the leader of the D coming off a 79-tackle season – with 11 against both Michigan and Oklahoma State – and 78 as a freshman. While he’s got the range to get into the backfield more often, his job is to hold up against the run and be the one everything works around.

2. S Afolabi Laguda, Sr.
3. S/ST Ryan Moeller, Sr.
4. CB Isaiah Oliver, Jr.
5. DE Leo Jackson III, Sr.

Key Player To A Successful Season

QB Stephen Montez, Soph. – The talent is undeniable. The 6-5, 225-pounder out of Texas has the big-time arm, the mobility, and the size, but he still needs to prove he can put it all together and become a consistent passer. He stepped in when Sefo Liufau was banged up, and came up bit with 333 yards in the win over Oregon and followed it up with 293 against Oregon State, but he threw five picks on the season and struggled with his accuracy at times. It’s his offense to run now, and he just might be good enough to lead the way to a huge season. At least that’s the hope.

The Colorado Season Will Be A Success If …

The Buffs win seven games. Everything came together in the dream 2016 season, but this year’s team won’t be quite as good, and the Pac-12 South won’t be quite as bad. Starting out 3-0 is a must against Colorado State, Texas State and Northern Colorado, and it’s not asking for the world to win four of the last nine games with home dates against Arizona and Cal in the equation. However, don’t be shocked if CU is the underdog more often than not in Pac-12 play, starting with …

Key Game To The Colorado Season

Sept. 23 vs. Washington. The Huskies are better than the Buffs, but this is the measuring stick. It’s the Pac-12 opener for the two teams the played the league closer last year, with Washington winning the Pac-12 Championship 41-10. With three of the next four games on the road – starting with UCLA up next – coming up with the likely upset over the Dawgs could be a must.

2016 Colorado Fun Stats

– 1st Half Scoring: Colorado 263 – Opponents 132
– Blocked Kicks: Opponents 4 – Colorado 1
– Time In The Lead: Colorado 457:20 – Opponents 189:07

– 2017 Colorado Preview: Were Buffs Good, Or Pac-12 Bad?
– 2017 Colorado Schedule Analysis
– Colorado Previews: 2016 | 2015