Buffs Set For Biggest Test Yet Vs. No. 4 Wolverines
September 17, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
Colorado to square off with Michigan on the road
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A week that has spanned the wistful (memories of "The Catch") to the wacky (a Colorado depth chart featuring Elmer Fudd at quarterback) will finally get down to business Saturday afternoon.
Mike MacIntyre's 2-0 Colorado Buffaloes take their show on the road in what is no doubt the Buffs' biggest test of the season thus far, a 1:30 p.m. matchup with No. 4 Michigan. A crowd in the neighborhood of 110,000 is expected, which would make it the largest gathering ever to watch a Colorado football game.
It's been an interesting week for the Buffaloes. They've been reminded — again and again and again — about the "Miracle in Michigan." They've been asked about the pressure of playing in front of such a large crowd against a highly ranked team, and how they believe they will react in such an atmosphere.
But while Colorado fans and media have spent the week reveling in the result of a game played 22 years ago, CU players have been busy preparing to produce what they hope will be something worth remembering 22 years from now.
The Buffaloes firmly believe they are capable of such a result. After two blowout wins, the team that has openly talked about playing for a Pac-12 championship is anxious to see how it stacks up against what is clearly a championship-caliber squad.
"We're playing a really good football team, so now we need to see how we play," MacIntyre said. "I think you just go out there and stand toe-to-toe and you fight and see how we measure up. We'll see."
The Buffs are by no means intimidated, but they no doubt have plenty of respect for a 2-0 Michigan team that is mentioned regularly as one with the potential of earning a playoff berth. Colorado will see a stellar defense, an explosive offense and a veteran coaching staff that has pointed the Wolverines back in the right direction.
The Buffs will be counting on their rapid-fire offense and continually improving defensive prowess to keep them in the game. They'll look to quarterback Sefo Liufau to establish some offensive rhythm early while asking their defense to contain Michigan's running game, then prevent quarterback Wilson Speight from making big plays in the passing game.
It is a tall order on both accounts.
Liufau and the offense will see a defense with an outstanding pass rush — seven sacks in the first two games — and a secondary that has produced two interceptions and allowed just 103.5 yards per game in the air thus far.
The Buffs, though, spent the week following a mantra they've been espousing since fall camp opened: control the things you can control, tune out the distractions and make sure you've done everything possible to be prepared.
"You play major college football for a reason," MacIntyre said. "Anytime you're playing a major program that's at the top and doing really well and you're playing on the road, there's always a little more excitement in your first road game. (CU players) understand it's how we prepare, it's not the opponent you're going to play. If you're prepared to play, then you'll be able to play as best you can and see what happens. ... It's all about preparation. They're a mature enough team now that they understand that. I don't think those are just words, I think they truly get it. They've been through the hype of going to a place to play before and not playing good because they thought they thought they'd just be excited about playing. Now they understand it's the work ethic that goes into it and being prepared."
One big key for the Buffs will be getting their offense moving early. CU's up-tempo attack has been hitting on all cylinders in its first two games, averaging 587. 5 yards and 50 points per contest; they'll need to produce some first downs quickly on Saturday and keep Michigan's defense from going into attack mode.
"I'm excited about the challenge," said Buffs offensive co-coordinator Brian Lindgren. "I think our guys are excited about the challenge to see how we match up against a top-five team. They have the chance to go in and compete at a high level in a big-time environment. You have to be excited about that kind of opportunity."
The Buffs believe they have the speed on offense — particularly at wide receiver — to compete with the Wolverines. But the biggest difference, Lindgren believes, is that CU's wideouts are now an experienced, battle-tested bunch.
"Guys like Shay Fields, Bryce Bobo, Devin Ross — those are older guys that have played in a lot of games and they know what's expected of them," Lindgren said. "They know what they have to do during the week in practice and how fast they have to practice to prepare themselves on gameday. We've had some of that speed in the past, now they're performing consistently. I think guys are understanding what we have to do in practice and have it translate into games."
Defensively, it's much the same story. Jim Leavitt's group will be sorely tested by a powerful offensive line and a fleet, experienced group of wide receivers. While the Wolverines have yet to get their running game on track — they ran for just 119 yards on 41 carries in last week's win over Central Florida — the potential is there.
Meanwhile, UM quarterback Wilton Speight has been outstanding (35-for-50, 457 yards, 7 touchdowns and just one interception), with wide receivers Amara Darboh (8 catches, 153 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Jehu Chesson (7-127), along with tight end Jake Butt (8-105, 3 touchdowns) his favorite receivers.
It will no doubt be the most difficult challenge yet for a CU secondary that has its own set of standouts, beginning with seniors Chidobe Awuzie and Tedric Thompson.
"Everyvody's going to get tested here," Leavitt said. "They've got eight or nine starters back on their offense and both games have been over at halftime. It's a challenge, but we'll get challenged through the year."
Leavitt, though, likes what he's seen from his defense since the beginning of fall camp.
"They've got a pretty serious demeanor," Leavitt said. "It means a lot to them. They've come ready to work all the time. They have more confidence in the system we're running and that helps a little bit."
SATURDAY BROADCAST: The game will be televised by the Big Ten Network with Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen and Lisa Byington. KOA radio will broadcast the game with Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett. The game will also be available nationally on the Touchdown Radio Network as well as Sirius-XM radio (Sirius 135, XM 195).
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
