Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: Fast Five Keys To Buffs Vs. UCLA
October 29, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — A year ago, the Colorado Buffaloes scored the last 17 points in regulation play to force overtime with UCLA, only to drop a 40-37 decision in two overtime periods.
No doubt, the 4-4 Buffs would like to reverse the outcome Saturday in the Rose Bowl (1 p.m. Pac-12 Networks). The Buffs are coming off a 17-13 win at Oregon State; the 5-2 Bruins are well-rested after a 40-24 home victory over Cal on Oct 22.
The No. 24 Bruins are the first ranked team CU has faced this season, but just the latest — and not last — in a long string of high-powered Pac-12 offenses on CU's schedule. While the Buffs are just 2-18-1 all time in games in the state of California, one of those came at UCLA: a 31-17 win in 2002.
What the Buffs will have to do Saturday to make it happen again:
Protect the quarterback. The Bruins haven't been especially proficient at sacking the quarterback, with just 14 to their credit this season. But they do have two games with five sacks, including their win over Cal, led by nose tackle Kenny Clark, who was in on two. They've proven adept at taking advantage of struggling offensive lines, and the Buffs' injury-riddled bunch fits that bill. If the Buffs can't protect quarterback Sefo Liufau, it will be a long afternoon.
Run the ball. This dovetails with goal number one. If the Buffs are going to keep UCLA's pass rush at bay, they need to keep the Bruins' defensive line honest. CU hasn't established a particularly effective running game yet in the Pac-12 portion of the schedule, although the Buffs did finish with 171 yards on the ground last week against Oregon State. The Bruins are 11th in the conference in rushing defense, yielding 203.9 yards per game. The Buffs have been trying to work freshman Patrick Carr into the mix more and more, and this could be the week he sees some significant action, as his quickness could give UCLA fits
Pressure Rosen. UCLA freshman quarterback Josh Rosen is having an outstanding season. He's thrown for 1,968 yards and 15 touchdowns, and CU defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt called him “probably the best quarterback we've seen this year.” Rosen, though, isn't infallible, particularly when he's under pressure. He threw three interceptions in a narrow win over BYU when the Cougars hounded him throughout the game, and one in each of the Bruins' two losses (Stanford and Arizona State), including a pick-six in the loss to Stanford.
Win the turnover battle. Yes, we say it every week — but the Buffaloes are 3-1 when they have this all-important statistical edge. The two teams have each committed 10 turnovers this season, but for UCLA, nine of those have been interceptions and just one a fumble. Defensively, the Buffs have 14 takeaways and the Bruins just nine. If Colorado can keep that ratio intact in this game, they'll have a good chance at an upset in the Rose Bowl.
Contain UCLA rushing attack. As good as Rosen is, the Buffs still might be better off if the Bruins have to rely on him to win the game. Colorado's rush defense is dead last in the conference (209.5 yards per game) while the UCLA run game is fourth in the conference (193.0 per game). UCLA starting tailback Paul Perkins isn't expected to play, but another of UCLA's standout freshmen, Soso Jamabo, is a more than able replacement. Colorado's pass defense has been good this year: the Buffs are fourth in the conference, giving up just 216.8 yards per game. If they can stop the Bruins on the ground and force them to the air, they should be in much better position for an upset.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
