NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
A new opponent stands in the way of the Colorado Buffaloes (4-4, 1-4 Pac-12) and the mission to become bowl game eligible and also continue to rebuild this program. Having lost their last two games the Buffs hope the energy of the home crowd and homecoming can give them a boost. Coach Prime has made some moves in his coaching staff moving Pat Shurmur to the main play caller taking over for Sean Lewis. What changes will we see from this move? Knowing Shurmur maybe we aren’t in 4 wide so much and the run game is pushed more. I am sure that seeing Shedeur Sanders running for his life and limping to the sidelines pushed this move. Can you count how many run plays that Colorado had last week? The move does NOT mean a new system it is way too far into the season for that. Unfortunately Pat isn’t bringing a new offensive line with him so that issue still remains, but can some plays be called that make the line have a better shot at winning play in and play out. This move also shows that Coach Prime meant what he said in the preseason he wants to win, and wants to win now. Let’s get into the keys of this game against the Beavers.
Protect The QB, PLEASE:
From his post game comments last week, to the private meeting he had with the offensive line this week Deion Sanders and his staff expect and demand better. The commutation between them is key to know assignments and protect QB 1 who has proven time and time again that when he has time he can make plays. Also this wide out group is talented but need the ball to show that and create a dynamic offense we all want. I would like to see as I’ve said all season more running plays and for those plays to WORK. Remember how preseason Coach Prime talked about how deep the running back group was and how excited he was to see them shine. Well, we are waiting. And anyone worth their salt as a football fan knows the run game sets up the play-action pass as well as the boot leg game. If plays are over before Sanders can even look downfield it will be a long day for the Colorado and their fans.
The Colorado Defense Must Show Up:
The Beavers have some guys on the offensive line who will be playing on Sundays, this is one of the best offensive lines in the country. Not the Pac-12 but the COUNTRY. That being said it is vital for the defense to have a solid game and make plays when the oppurtunies appear. This is a unit that is outstanding in run blocking and pass protection. Quarterback DJ Uiagaleli has only been sacked 9 times so some outside the box blitzes will be needed to make him uncomfortable. A great effort from Jordan Domineck and Taijh Altston will be welcomed so that the secondary has a shot to make plays since Uiagaleli isn’t the most accurate guy. Defensive Coordinator Charles Kelly will have to really throw some new things at this OSU offense and make put them on their heels. Giving up 34.9 points per game is not the formula to win a lot of ball games and Lord knows this defense has been brutal and talked about a lot. What better time than now to have a season defining performance. Look at the stats the first half of most games and the defense is ok, but the second half is a totally different story and the story hasn’t been pretty.
Can They Do It:
This Oregon State team is PHYSICAL and they don’t hide it, you get punched right in the mouth and they keep throwing punches. Colorado will have to take some punches and hit them right back. Do the 4 turnovers against UCLA carry over this week and allow the defense to play free and loose which gives short fields and momentum to the offense. How big a deal is it being back at home? This was the hottest ticket in town in September and now in November is that still the case? Folsom Field is a hard place to play when that sea fans dressed in black are at full throat the Buffs need to feed off of it and also give them something to cheer for. This is a fun game with the play calling change and with what is still on the line for the season. One thing I have learned this season is that Coach Prime is not afraid to mix things up and that is just what he has done. Yet, another layer to add to this game which will be hard hitting from start to finish. #GoBuffs
