Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: Friday Fast Five Keys To OSU Game
October 23, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Twice in the last three weeks, the 3-4 Colorado Buffaloes have flirted with success against a Pac-12 foe, only to falter late in the game.
Saturday, they travel to Oregon State for an 8:30 (MT) contest against the 2-4 Beavers (Pac-12 Networks) and only one thing is certain: one of the teams in Reser Stadium will walk away with its first conference win of the season.
What must the Buffs do to ensure an end to their 14-game Pac-12 losing streak:
Establsih offensive consistency: The Buffs have put up some nice offensive yardage totals in their three Pac-12 games: 308 against Oregon, 450 vs. Arizona State and 467 in last weekend's loss to Arizona. But they haven't been able to generate scoring drives when most needed.
Colorado came out and seized a 24-17 lead on its first possession of the second half last week vs. the Wildcats, but then endured three consecutive empty possessions. Scores on any one of those would have given the Buffs a much-needed cushion and almost certainly have changed the complexion of the game. Penalties, miscues and missed opportunities have all contributed, but the bottom line is when the Buffs have a chance to extend a lead, they have to take advantage.
Contain QB Seth Collins: When Arizona turned to running QB Jerrard Randall, it was the beginning of the end for the Buffs. CU will see another mobile quarterback Saturday in OSU freshman Seth Collins, who has rushed for a team-leading 486 yards and five touchdowns this season. Collins is only an average passer — he's thrown for 816 yards and six touchdowns — and if the Buffs keep his running game contained, they'll have a good chance to win.
Replace Shay Fields: Wide receiver Fields has been the Buffs' most-productive big-play receiver, with seven catches of 23 yards or more, including three for 65 yards or more. But Fields is out with an ankle sprain, meaning it will be up to Bryce Bobo, Devin Ross, Donovan Lee, Lee Walker, Jay MacIntyre and Nelson Spruce to make up the difference. Ross has a 68-yard touchdown catch this year, but someone from this group has to be able to consistently stretch the field.
Turnovers/takeaways: Yes, this is on the list every week, but it's here for a reason: the Buffs are better when they limit turnovers and force takeaways. Last week's loss to Arizona was the first time this year CU has won the turnover battle and lost the game — but even one more takeaway by the defense at a key moment would have made a huge difference. The Beavers have thrown five interceptions and lost just three fumbles. A big takeaway early would take the crowd out of the game and be a major momentum boost for the Buffs.
Limit big plays. The Buffs gave up three scoring plays of at least 25 yards last week, and all three could be attributed to missed assignments. The return of linebacker Kenneth Olugbode will be a boost for the defense this week. If the Buffs stick to their defensive assignments and force OSU to put together sustained scoring drives, they'll be in good shape.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
